Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to ensure that the biscuits don’t stick and for easy cleanup.
Make the butter mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy, pale, and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The powdered sugar helps to create a delicate sweetness while making the texture of the dough softer. The butter should be well-softened to ensure a smooth consistency.
Add the vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. The vanilla enhances the flavor and adds a comforting sweetness to the biscuits.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch plays a crucial role in giving the biscuits their light, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so be sure to measure it accurately.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly soft and easy to handle, but it should come together without being too sticky. Be careful not to overmix to keep the biscuits light and tender.
Shape the dough: Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls, about 1-inch in diameter. You can use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to help measure uniform portions. The dough will be soft but manageable, so don’t worry if it’s a bit delicate.
Flatten the dough: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one. Lightly flatten the tops with your fingers or a fork to create a slight indentation. This helps them bake evenly and gives them a nice shape. Be gentle when flattening to keep the texture soft.
Bake the biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops stay pale. The biscuits should be firm to the touch but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Cool the biscuits: Allow the biscuits to cool completely on the baking tray. They will be very tender and melt-in-your-mouth, so handle them gently. Cooling them completely ensures they firm up slightly and maintain their delicate texture.
