These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat bursting with citrus flavor. Their light, buttery texture and refreshing lemony zing make them a perfect dessert for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal ingredients.
- Bright and Refreshing: Perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for tea parties, picnics, or just a casual treat.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Buttery and soft, these cookies practically dissolve in your mouth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Lemon: Mix in the lemon juice and zest, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before dusting them generously with powdered sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes.
- Cook Time: 12 minutes.
- Total Time: 27 minutes.
Variations
- Glazed Version: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies for extra sweetness.
- Orange Meltaways: Swap the lemon juice and zest for orange to create a new flavor.
- Add Herbs: Incorporate a hint of rosemary or thyme for a gourmet twist.
- Vegan Option: Substitute vegan butter for the unsalted butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm cookies slightly in a microwave for 5-10 seconds if desired, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required for this recipe, making it quick and easy.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well for larger batches.
5. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of flour, though the texture may not be as delicate.
6. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe.
7. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too soft, and measure the ingredients carefully.
8. How do I zest a lemon properly?
Use a fine grater or microplane, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the yellow skin.
9. Can I add food coloring?
Yes, a drop of yellow food coloring can enhance the visual appeal.
10. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Package them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a crowd-pleasing favorite that combine simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies deliver a refreshing burst of citrus flavor in every bite. Try them today and experience a melt-in-your-mouth treat that will brighten any day!
PrintZesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies
These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are light, buttery, and bursting with tangy lemon flavor. They literally melt in your mouth and are perfect for tea time or as a refreshing dessert. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are quick to whip up and sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two logs (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze the Cookies:
- Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra lemony kick, add a few drops of lemon extract to the glaze.