Abuelita’s Christmas Meltaways (Polvorones Edition)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden — the tops should remain pale.
8. Cool for 2 minutes, then gently roll the warm cookies in the cinnamon powdered sugar mixture.
9. Once fully cooled, roll again for a thicker, more festive snowy coating.

Variations

• Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.
• Replace cinnamon with cocoa powder in the dusting for a chocolate-sugar finish.
• Add citrus zest (orange or lemon) for a bright holiday note.
• Roll the dough in coarse sugar before baking for a sparkly crust beneath the powdered sugar layer.

Tips

• Make sure the butter is fully softened for the smoothest dough texture.
• Handle the warm cookies gently — they’re very delicate before fully cooled.
• Double the dusting mixture if you love an ultra-thick snowy coating.
• Tuck a chocolate chip in the center before baking for a melty surprise and a nod to Abuelita’s sweet traditions.