Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love cookies that are light, buttery, and packed with fresh lemon flavor, this recipe is a must-try. The cookies practically melt in your mouth, thanks to their smooth, delicate texture. The addition of lemon zest and juice gives each bite a burst of refreshing citrus, perfectly balanced by the sweet coating of powdered sugar. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can whip them up in no time, making these cookies ideal for any occasion.

Lemon Meltaways

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

  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. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.

  6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

  7. Once cool, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 10-12 minutes

  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Lemon and Lavender Meltaways: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender buds to the dough for a floral twist.

  • Lime Meltaways: Swap out the lemon zest and juice for lime zest and juice for a tropical variation.

  • Glazed Lemon Meltaways: Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

To store, place the Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If you want to reheat them, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted butter on hand, simply omit the pinch of salt in the recipe.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. Just let it soften slightly before working with it.

3. Can I add more lemon juice to make the cookies more tangy?

You can increase the lemon juice slightly, but be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the texture of the dough.

4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the dough.

5. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but if you need to use bottled juice, it’s perfectly fine in this recipe.

6. Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These cookies are great for making ahead, and they actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.

7. How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking, and don’t skip the step of gently flattening the dough balls before baking.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar instead of powdered sugar for dusting?

You can use granulated sugar as a substitute, but powdered sugar gives these cookies a more delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

9. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a delightful treat that combine the perfect balance of buttery richness and bright lemon flavor. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or serve them at a gathering, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy the fresh burst of citrus in every bite!

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Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways

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  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Lemon Meltaways are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a burst of bright, zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess.

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. 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 and fluffy.
  3. Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  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. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
  6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cool, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

  1. For variations, try adding dried lavender buds or lime zest and juice for different flavors.
  2. If you prefer, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies instead of dusting with powdered sugar.
  3. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  4. For gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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