Melting Moments

Melting Moments: Irresistibly Tender Cookies with a Rich History

Hello, baking addicts! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for Melting Moments, the ultimate buttery, crumbly cookie that simply melts in your mouth. I learnt this recipe from my ex head pastry chef; years ago. It’s such an easy go too; whether at home or work. This recipe is a great afternoon tea treat. These delicate cookies have a fascinating history and are surprisingly easy to make. Let’s explore their origins, gather our ingredients, and prepare to bake. I’ll also suggest some wonderful drink pairings to complement your Melting Moments experience.

The Origin of Melting Moments

Melting Moments, the delicate and buttery shortbread biscuits, are most commonly associated with Australia and New Zealand, where they have become a beloved sweet treat. These cookies, named for their tender texture that melts in your mouth, are traditionally made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, and cornstarch, and are often filled with a layer of buttercream or jam. Their exact origins are unclear, as Europe and England have similar shortbreads to us here in Australia. In saying this, Melting Moments gained popularity in the mid-20th century after Australia and New Zealand commercialised them. Their appeal has since spread worldwide.

Ingredients

For a batch of Melting Moments, you will need:

• Cookies
• 280g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 92g icing sugar
• 8g vanilla extract
• 300g plain flour
• 48g cornflour
• 40g castor sugar
• Filling (Optional)
• 30g cup unsalted butter, softened
• 80g icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Raspberry or apricot jam (for sandwiching)

Preparation Tips

Before you begin, it’s important to have all your ingredients and tools ready. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Equipment: You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a sifter, a piping bag with a star nozzle (if you want to pipe the cookies), and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Workspace: Clear your countertop and ensure you have enough space to work comfortably. Preheat your oven to 175°C and line your baking sheet.
• Softening Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps achieve the light, airy texture characteristic of Melting Moments.

Cooking Process

• Soften the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth do not cream; just soften to combine. This will take about 3-5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer using the paddle attachment.
• Sifting Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the remaining dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
• Shaping the Cookies: You can either roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork, or pipe them onto the prepared baking sheet using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.
• Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The cookies should remain pale in color. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Filling (Optional): If you want to make sandwich cookies, prepare the filling by creaming together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of jam on one cookie, pipe or spread the filling on another, and sandwich them together.

Drink Pairings

To enhance the enjoyment of your Melting Moments, consider these delightful drink pairings:

• Tea: A classic choice, pairing Melting Moments with a fragrant tea like Earl Grey or Darjeeling creates a perfect balance. The subtle flavors of the tea complement the buttery richness of the cookies.
• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee, whether it’s a bold espresso or a creamy latte, pairs wonderfully with Melting Moments. The coffee’s robust flavors contrast beautifully with the delicate cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: For a more indulgent treat, enjoy your Melting Moments with a rich, creamy hot chocolate. The sweetness of the cocoa enhances the buttery goodness of the cookies.
• Sparkling Wine: For a touch of elegance, try pairing Melting Moments with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. The bubbles and acidity of the wine provide a delightful contrast to the cookies’ richness.

I hope you enjoy baking and savouring these Melting Moments as much as I do. They’re a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion. Happy baking!