Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are bite-sized treats that simply melt in your mouth. With their bright citrus flavor and delicate texture, these cookies are perfect for lemon lovers and a delightful addition to any dessert spread or tea party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, buttery, and infused with refreshing lemon flavor.
- Simple and quick to make, with no need for fancy equipment.
- Perfect for gifting, special occasions, or as a treat with your afternoon tea.
- Customizable with different citrus flavors like lime or orange.
- The melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistibly addictive.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add lemon juice and zest, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your palm.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Let the cookies cool completely, then generously dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Lime or Orange Meltaways: Swap the lemon juice and zest for lime or orange for a different citrus twist.
- Vanilla Lemon: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a hint of warmth.
- Glazed Cookies: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cookies for extra sweetness and tang.
- Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough for a sophisticated flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These cookies don’t need reheating but taste great fresh out of the freezer or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
2. Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
4. Why are my cookies crumbly?
This could happen if there’s too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the all-purpose flour.
6. How can I make the cookies more lemony?
Add more zest or a drop of lemon extract for a stronger lemon flavor.
7. Can I skip the powdered sugar topping?
The powdered sugar adds sweetness and texture, but you can skip it or use a glaze instead.
8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
9. Do these cookies spread a lot?
No, the cookies hold their shape well due to the cornstarch and chilled dough.
10. Can I use a cookie cutter with this recipe?
The dough is too delicate for cookie cutters, but you can experiment by rolling it out gently after chilling.
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat that will brighten your day with their tangy citrus flavor and delicate texture. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing or savoring with your favorite cup of tea. Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet burst of lemony goodness!
PrintZesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies
These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with vibrant lemon flavor. Their delicate texture makes them literally melt in your mouth, while a light coating of powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for tea parties, holidays, or any time you’re craving a citrusy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the lemon and vanilla:
- Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Shape the cookies:
- Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake; the cookies should remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Sugar Coating:
7. Mix the sugar and zest:
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and lemon zest.
- Coat the cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, gently roll them in the lemon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve:
9. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before rolling.
- Make ahead: The cookie dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Add a glaze: For an extra lemony touch, drizzle the cookies with a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) instead of rolling them in sugar.