Lemon Meltaways Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Meltaways are tender, buttery cookies with a bright citrus twist. These delicate treats melt in your mouth and are perfect for anytime you want a light, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
- 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork or your fingers.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Once cool, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or substitute some of the flour with finely ground almonds.
- You can replace lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
- If you prefer, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a crackly sugar coating.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months—allow to thaw fully before serving. When reheating, warm gently in a low oven to keep them tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or use additional flour, but cornstarch helps create the cookies’ delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
PrintLemon Meltaways Recipe
Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a refreshing hint of lemon zest and juice. Soft and crumbly, they melt in your mouth and are perfect for a light and sweet treat. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these meltaways are simple to make and delightful to enjoy with tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the creamed mixture and blend until a soft dough forms, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork or your fingers to create a slight patty shape.
- Bake: Bake the shaped dough in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still tender inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess and preserves their delicate texture.
- Dust with Sugar: Once cool, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for added sweetness and an attractive finish before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better dough consistency.
- Handle the dough gently when shaping to maintain the delicate texture of the cookies.
- For more lemon flavor, you can add a little more lemon zest but be careful not to overpower the balance.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Be careful not to overbake to retain the meltaway texture; the edges should be just golden.
Keywords: Lemon Meltaways, lemon cookies, buttery cookies, lemon zest cookies, soft meltaway cookies, easy lemon dessert
