Cornstarch cookies are a buttery cookie with a tender crumb that will melt in your mouth. With a hint of almond and a sweet glaze, these gems are irresistible.

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Melt-in-your-mouth cookies

Cornstarch cookies are the most glorious cookie I've ever tasted! They are delicate and buttery and eating one makes me want three more! These one-bite gems are the perfect addition to any dessert board or holiday cookie platter.

For more buttery confections, try Candy Cane Cookies and Chocolate Chip Snowballs.

Powdered sugar and cornstarch - The key to the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Almond and vanilla extracts provide that special holiday flavor.
Butter - This recipe has been updated to be made with all butter (original recipe was part butter part margarine). Butter has optimal flavor and only adds to the rich, meltaway texture of these cookies.

Icing ingredients

ingredients for icing for cornstarch cookies

The icing is a simple powdered sugar glaze. The addition of melted butter helps the icing to set up which makes it easier to store the cookies. Food coloring is optional but is a fun way to add a festive touch.

Step-by-step instructions

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
Add the butter and powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Cream together until thoroughly combined. Blend in almond and vanilla extracts.

Sift the flour and cornstarch into the butter mixture. Add the salt. Blend until just combined.

adding flour and mixing dough for cookies

Use a small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon) to portion the dough onto the prepared pans, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until just set. Cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the icing. Add the sugar and melted butter to a small bowl. Whisk in enough cream to create the desired consistency. Add the extract and food coloring, if desired. TIP: Frost half of the cookies with plain glaze. Then add a drop of red food coloring to the remaining glaze and frost the rest.

unfrosted cookies on rack next to bowl of icing

Spread or drizzle the icing on the cookies. Add sparkling sugar or sprinkles if desired. Allow the icing to set up before storing in an airtight container.

Can I freeze cornstarch cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Bake, cool completely, then store - unfrosted - in an airtight freezer safe container for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before topping with icing.

Use room temperature butter so the ingredients blend smoothly and completely.
After adding flour and cornstarch, mix until just combined. Overmixing can create a tough dough.
Use a parchment-lined baking sheet. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and makes clean-up a breeze.
Portion the dough using a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that will bake up evenly.
Chilling this dough is not required. The cookies do not spread very much. If making the dough to bake at a later time, chilling the dough if perfectly fine.

top down shot of iced cornstarch cookies

The dough comes together quickly and easily, so these are perfect cookies to bake for a cookie swap or to share with a neighbor. I hope you add these to your holiday baking line-up this year!

Equipment

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