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Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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