Patriotic Mini Meltaway Butter Cookies

Do you remember when 4th of July meant a bunch of families on the street lighting off fireworks?  I loved that. The danger, and the amazing light show.  The sparklers that really sparkled. At some point, this holiday changed for us into all-day barbecues, swimming, and red, white and blue treats. I’m not complaining, but it is different. This year I had to make my Patriotic Mini Meltaway Butter Cookies to bring to the party.

Let me tell you. These cookies are GOOD! Shortbread-ish with a melt in your mouth center.  They are also super simple to make, and that is always my other requirement.  Tiny fingers will love these, and adults can have a handful.  The more the merrier.

I like to keep these small. Mine are about 2 inches across. Because these are so flavorful, I like to bake them like little melt-away candies.

I won’t keep this secret recipe from you any longer!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of butter, unsalted. (2 sticks, room temperature)
• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 cups of flower
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325
• In a stand mixer, soften room temperature butter until creamy. 1-2 minutes on medium/high speed.
• Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla to butter, mix for an additional 1-2 minutes
• Add to batter in the stand mixture the flour and baking powder. The batter will be crumbly, and then just smooth again.
• Roll cookies into a small ball. Roll into patriotic sprinkles or sugar.
• Optional: Press batter into flat circles. My cookies are 2-ounces and before cooking they are quarter size.
• Chill for 30 minutes – 2 hours.   30 minutes will make cookies with a traditional circle shape. Chilling two hours will make meltaway balls (pictured below)
• Bake 11-13 minutes on 325. Watch carefully. These burn quickly and the sizes may vary.
• Let cook at least 10 minutes before eating.

Tips: You can make these with three ingredients if you substitute flour for the self-rising flour, and omit the Vanilla. I don’t mind the extra ingredients because these are so good!

You can make larger cookies which may increase your bake time.  Just take them out when they are firm to the touch.