Name: Lemon Meltaways
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484961H44M59S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies that practically melt in your mouth. With a delightful burst of citrus flavor from fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving any time of year. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Lemon Meltaways

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

Extra powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is just combined.

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Gently press each dough ball down with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten them.

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Lemon and Lavender: For a unique twist, try adding a teaspoon of dried lavender to the dough for a subtle floral note alongside the citrusy flavor.

Citrus Blend: If you love citrus, swap the lemon zest and juice for orange or lime to create a zesty variation of these meltaways.

Glaze: For an added sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cookies.

Storage/Reheating

These Lemon Meltaways store beautifully! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you'd like to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. If you want to enjoy them warm again, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

How can I make sure the cookies stay soft?

To ensure that your cookies stay soft, don't overbake them. The edges should be lightly golden, but the center should remain tender. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set without becoming too firm.

Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

While salted butter will work, it’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you do use salted butter, skip the added salt in the recipe.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze well. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw at room temperature.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or plastic bag, and bake them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

What can I do if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The cornstarch helps make the cookies more tender, so the texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are the perfect combination of buttery texture and fresh citrus flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, they come together quickly and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you're baking them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these cookies are a refreshing treat that never goes out of style.

Recipe:

Lemon Meltaways

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth. With fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies offer a refreshing citrus flavor perfect for any occasion. Quick to make in just 25 minutes, they’re ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying with tea.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Gently press each dough ball to slightly flatten.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.