Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Soft and tender, they melt in your mouth and are perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert.

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, cream the softened butter with 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar using an electric mixer 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 creamed mixture. Beat until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Step 6: Using a small scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with the remaining powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract in addition to the fresh juice and zest.
• To keep the cookies soft, avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container once cooled.
• Try rolling the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for an extra sweet crust.

Storage

Store the Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, warm gently in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness, or enjoy them as is for their melt-in-your-mouth 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, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s pure lemon juice without added preservatives or additives.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can also help maintain the cookie shape.

Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 78 reviews

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a refreshing, tangy treat that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

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

Finishing

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for dusting)

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 easy cleanup.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup sifted powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add lemon and vanilla: Beat in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, infusing the dough with bright lemon flavor.
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 dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Shape cookies: Using a small scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet, allowing room for spreading.
7. Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, signaling that they are perfectly baked.
8. Cool cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with sugar: Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust them generously with the remaining sifted powdered sugar to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
• Do not overmix once flour is added, or cookies may become tough.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, buttery lemon treats, lemon dessert, powdered sugar cookies