Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a bright lemony flavor that simply melts in your mouth. Perfect for tea time or a light dessert, these treats combine citrus zest and a tender crumb for a refreshing twist on classic meltaway cookies.

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) and 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 just start to turn golden brown.
6. Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer 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 a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a bit more lemon juice.
• Try swapping lemon zest for orange or lime zest to create different citrus variations.
• Use a combination of powdered sugar and finely ground almonds for a slightly nutty texture.
• Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.

Storage

Store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cooled cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature; they are best enjoyed fresh but will retain their flavor after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest, freshest flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just be sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no added preservatives.

Why do I need to add cornstarch to the dough?

Cornstarch helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture by softening the flour’s structure. It’s a key ingredient in meltaway-style cookies to keep them delicate and crumbly.

Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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4.6 from 128 reviews

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a light citrus flavor perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are easy to make and ideal for any occasion, delivering a delightful sweetness dusted with powdered sugar.

• Author: reem
• 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

Cookies

• 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 prevent cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, creating a smooth base for the dough.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the creamed mixture. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms that’s ready to shape.
4. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork or your fingers to create a uniform shape.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn a light golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still tender inside.
6. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and maintain their delicate texture.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously dust them with additional powdered sugar to enhance sweetness and add a beautiful finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming and texture.
• Do not over-bake, as these cookies are meant to be tender and melt in your mouth.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon extract in addition to lemon zest and juice.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• To keep cookies fresh longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them.

Keywords: Lemon Meltaways, lemon cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, buttery lemon cookies, easy lemon cookie recipe, lemon dessert, homemade cookies, lemon flavored treats