Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a bright hint of fresh lemon. These tender treats melt in your mouth, making them a perfect companion for tea or a light dessert anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork or your fingers.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
6. Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: Once cool, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra lemon punch, add a teaspoon of finely chopped candied lemon peel to the dough.
• If you prefer a softer texture, slightly reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
• You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store the lemon meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature for the best texture. These cookies also freeze well for up to three months; thaw completely before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice gives the best bright flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Use the same amount but expect a slightly less vibrant taste.

What makes these cookies melt in your mouth?

The combination of butter, cornstarch, and powdered sugar creates a tender, crumbly texture that practically dissolves as you bite into them.

Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 86 reviews

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, baked to a tender crumb and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for a light, citrus-flavored dessert or afternoon snack.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Flavorings: Incorporate the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the creamed mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined without overmixing.
4. Shape Dough: Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Then gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork or your fingers to create a uniform shape for even baking.
5. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked yet still tender inside.
6. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once fully cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and enhance their meltaway texture and appearance.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture.
• Use freshly grated lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
• Be careful not to overbake; cookies will firm up more as they cool.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For added flavor, you can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or add a pinch of ground ginger for a subtle spice.

Keywords: Lemon cookies, Meltaway cookies, Butter cookies, Lemon zest, Easy baked cookies, Citrus dessert, Powdered sugar cookies