These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a light, buttery texture that truly melts in your mouth. Infused with fresh lemon flavor and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The vibrant lemon zest and juice give these cookies a refreshing tanginess.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies have a tender, airy texture that dissolves with every bite.
- Simple to Make: Easy-to-follow steps make this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile: Ideal for tea parties, gifting, or just a sweet snack at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice and zest
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice, zest, and salt, and mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Roll the chilled dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set. Avoid browning the cookies.
- Cool and Dust: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar for that classic meltaway finish.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Orange Variation: Substitute lemon juice and zest with orange juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
- Lime Meltaways: Use lime juice and zest to create a tropical version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Frosted Meltaways: Skip the powdered sugar and add a thin lemon glaze instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is essential for keeping the cookies from spreading during baking.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Why is cornstarch used in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps create the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture these cookies are known for.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting ensures a smooth and even dusting, but itโs not strictly necessary.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set but not browned. Overbaking can make them lose their tender texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough space to chill and bake all the dough.
Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Yes, they hold up well during shipping if packed carefully in a sturdy container.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
You can add a drop of yellow food coloring to enhance the lemony appearance.
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a simple yet indulgent treat that captures the essence of fresh lemons in every bite. Whether youโre baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite! Delicately soft and buttery, they dissolve in your mouth, leaving a refreshing lemony flavor. Perfect for tea time, holiday treats, or any time you crave something sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
- Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1โ2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but not browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice to reach your preferred glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the top. Sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon, add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough or glaze.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Soooo no sugar or egg??