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Lemon Meltaways Recipe

4.7 from 126 reviews

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These tender treats are coated with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them a perfect citrusy delight for tea time or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air and create a tender cookie.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring the ingredients are fully integrated but not overworked.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball using the back of a fork or your fingers to create a slight disc shape.
  5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
  6. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up without becoming hard.
  7. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once completely cooled, generously dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar for an extra sweet and attractive finish.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor impact.
  • Do not over-bake to keep the cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • These cookies can also be frozen after baking; thaw before serving and re-dust with powdered sugar.

Keywords: Lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, buttery cookies, lemon zest, powdered sugar cookies, soft lemon treats