Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a bright citrus twist. Soft and tender, they simply melt in your mouth, making them a perfect treat for tea time or any sweet craving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (divided)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and 1 cup sifted powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, then beat until everything is fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough into small balls using a scoop or spoon, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a bit more zest or a few drops of lemon extract along with the lemon juice.
• Try rolling the baked cookies in the remaining powdered sugar while still warm for an extra sweet finish.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size for even baking.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist and a softer texture.

Storage

Store the cooled Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months. To refresh, let thaw at room temperature. These cookies do not require reheating but a brief oven warm can restore their delicate texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor and aroma, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just be mindful that the flavor may be less vibrant.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the butter is softened but not melted and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough briefly before shaping can also help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies bursting with fresh lemon flavor. These buttery treats are lightly sweetened and infused with lemon zest and juice, making them perfect for a refreshing snack or elegant dessert. They are easy to prepare and baked to a perfect golden edge, leaving you with tender, citrusy cookies dusted with powdered sugar.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (divided)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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 large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter with 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Beat in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated, giving the dough a bright and aromatic base.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
5. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently mix just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
6. Shape Dough: Using a small scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender inside.
8. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
• For extra lemon flavor, you can dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar mixed with a bit of lemon zest.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• These cookies freeze well; freeze shaped dough balls and bake fresh when needed.

Keywords: lemon meltaways, lemon cookies, buttery lemon cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, citrus dessert