Description
Fairy Bites are delicate, buttery cookies with a light crunch from chopped nuts, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet, enchanting finish. These bite-sized treats are perfect for tea time or sharing at any magical gathering. With a soft, crumbly texture and a subtle vanilla flavor, they melt in your mouth and bring a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat to ensure even baking for your fairy bites.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a light texture for your cookies.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined and a soft dough forms.
- Add Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to distribute the crunch evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Bites: Roll small portions of dough into bite-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Dust & Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then dust generously with powdered sugar to give them a whimsical, snowy appearance before serving.
Notes
- Use softened butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans can be substituted with other nuts or omitted for a nut-free version.
- For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste or extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.