Melting Moments
Fall in love with these four-ingredient Melting Moments. These buttery shortbread cookies are sandwiched together with creamy vanilla buttercream, making for a beautiful sweet treat.
I seriously love Melting Moments đź’ś
These gorgeous sandwich cookies are made of two shortbread-like cookies squished together with homemade vanilla buttercream. But they’re no regular shortbread cookie. These egg-free delights have a special ingredient that gives them unrivalled flavor.
If you love buttery cookies, you will go mad for these Melting Moments.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had a soft spot for Melting Moments. In fact, I remember when I was first creating this blog, I even considered naming it Melting Moments. See—true obsession.
And now I know why these plain-looking cookies taste so good. Made with butter, sugar, and flour, there’s a fourth ingredient that takes them to the next level flavor-wise—custard powder. That’s also what gives them their typical yellow appearance.
I know that custard powder may not be available in other countries as readily as it is here in Australia, so I’ve also given an alternative that yields a result pretty close to the original. Trust me—I ate my fair share of Melting Moments just to be sure.
There are no eggs or raising agents, which means they are super simple to make. And they boast a unique buttery texture that means they literally melt in your mouth—get it?!
The final touch is a smothering of creamy vanilla buttercream. You could also color your buttercream if you like—wouldn’t these be cute with a blue or pink filling for a baby shower or the like?
Made with staple pantry ingredients, these Melting Moments will become that recipe you have up your sleeve for when impromptu guests rock up or you need a sweet fix stat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Melting Moments are a delightful treat for several reasons. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only four basic ingredients for the cookies and a few more for the luscious buttercream. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich buttery flavor are simply irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be dressed up for any occasion with a touch of food coloring in the buttercream.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking trays
- Baking or parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Piping bag with a large round tip
Ingredients
Melting Moments
- 230 grams (1 cup / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 280 grams (2 cups) plain flour
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) icing or powdered sugar
- 4 level tablespoons custard powder*
Vanilla Buttercream
- 115 grams (1/2 cup / 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 375 grams (3 cups) icing or powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (360°F). Line two baking trays with baking or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute or until creamy. Add flour, sugar, and custard powder, and beat until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Roll roughly two teaspoons of cookie dough in your hands to form a ball and place on prepared tray. Repeat with remaining cookie dough. Press down on each cookie using a fork.
- Bake cookies for approximately 12 minutes. Leave to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, place butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and creamy.
- Add vanilla, half the sugar, and one tablespoon of milk, and beat until combined. Add the remaining sugar and another tablespoon of milk and beat until smooth.
- If the frosting is too thick, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk. Add buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe buttercream onto one cookie. Add another cookie on top. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Be gentle when pressing the cookies down with a fork to maintain their delicate texture.
- If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for a few minutes before rolling.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a twist, try adding a bit of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a citrusy kick. You can also experiment with different food coloring in the buttercream to match your theme or occasion.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Please note that nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and freeze it. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
What can I use instead of custard powder?
If custard powder isn’t available, you can use cornstarch and a little vanilla extract as a substitute.
Conclusion
Melting Moments are more than just cookies; they are a heartfelt treat that brings joy with every bite. I invite you to try this simple yet delicious recipe and share your experiences. Whether you stick to the classic vanilla or add your own twist, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home.