Lemon Meltaways Recipe
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.
- Author: Viktoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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