Description
These Lemon Meltaways are buttery, tender cookies infused with bright lemon zest and juice, then dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for warm days and tea time indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (divided)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Using a small scoop or spoon, shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust the cooled cookies generously with the remaining powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a light texture.
- Ensure butter is fully softened for easy creaming.
- For stronger lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract.
- Sift powdered sugar for smooth results and better presentation.
- Try flavor variations like adding poppy seeds or swapping lemon with lime or orange zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lemon cookies, lemon meltaways, citrus dessert, summer cookies, easy lemon recipe