If you’re a fan of zesty, refreshing desserts, Lemon Meltaway Cookies will soon become your new favorite treat! These little cookies pack a punch of vibrant lemon flavor while remaining soft and delicate. Imagine biting into a cookie that almost dissolves in your mouth—yes, that’s the meltaway magic we’re talking about.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Lemon Meltaway Cookies
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional for finishing:
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
- Lemon glaze (if you prefer a bit more tangy sweetness)
How to Make Lemon Meltaway Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a spacious bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and airy. This will form a smooth and fluffy foundation for the cookies. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix to combine.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and salt, whisking them together until well-mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix to preserve the delicate texture of the cookies.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as these cookies bake quickly due to their delicate structure.
Step 5: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool fully on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a perfect finish. If you’re in the mood for extra lemon flavor, drizzle a lemon glaze over them before serving.
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Tips for Perfect Lemon Meltaway Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened butter at room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture and optimal texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cookies to lose their meltaway texture.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain its shape and prevent excessive spreading.
- Perfect Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.
FAQs
What are Lemon Meltaway Cookies?
Lemon Meltaway Cookies are soft, buttery cookies that dissolve in your mouth, offering a burst of fresh lemon flavor. These cookies use basic ingredients such as butter, powdered sugar, and fresh lemon zest.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is ideal for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, the flavor might be slightly less fresh and bright.
How do I make the glaze for Lemon Meltaway Cookies?
To make a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Pour over the cooled cookies to add a zesty touch of sweetness.
How can I store Lemon Meltaway Cookies?
Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To extend freshness, freeze them for up to a month.
Can I make Lemon Meltaway Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, simply roll into balls and bake as directed.
Are Lemon Meltaway Cookies gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, swap the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I get the cookies to melt in my mouth?
The magic lies in the mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar, which work together to create the cookies’ soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I use lemon extract instead of zest?
While lemon extract can be used in place of zest, it will provide a less intense flavor. Fresh zest is recommended for the best lemon taste.
Lemon Meltaway Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for glaze
- 1 tsp lemon zest for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar, egg, lemon zest, and juice, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cookies.
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