Description
Delicate and buttery Fairy Bites are small, melt-in-your-mouth cookies dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a crunchy nut surprise. Perfect for afternoon tea or a festive treat, these little bites combine a tender shortbread texture with the sweet aroma of vanilla and a hint of salt, offering a magical snacking experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
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 warm up properly to ensure even baking of your Fairy Bites.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for the dough.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors in the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the mixture, stirring continuously until the dough comes together uniformly without lumps.
- Add Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Shape the Bites: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place these balls evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for a light golden color on the edges to indicate that they are perfectly baked.
- Dust & Serve: Allow the Fairy Bites to cool for a few minutes after baking. Then, generously dust them with powdered sugar to give them that magical, fairy-like appearance before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- You can substitute nuts according to your preference or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store the Fairy Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For added flavor, consider adding a small pinch of cinnamon or almond extract along with vanilla.
- Use fresh powdered sugar for dusting to avoid clumping and ensure a fine coating.
