Lemon Meltaways Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that truly lives up to its name, look no further than Lemon Meltaways. These delicate, citrus-kissed cookies are impossibly tender, dusted with a sweet cloud of powdered sugar, and they quite literally dissolve on your tongue. With a punchy lemon flavor that brightens every bite, these cookies are an instant mood-lifter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking with friends, prepping for a party, or just craving a little sunshine in cookie form, Lemon Meltaways are pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Meltaways lies in their simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, from the creamy butter that forms their base to the fresh lemon zest that makes them sing. Gather these easy-to-find staples and get ready to create a batch of cookies that are anything but ordinary.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy foundation of the cookies, ensuring every bite is rich and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for coating): Adds sweetness and the signature delicate texture, plus a snowy finish.
- Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dough with bright, fragrant citrus oils for a punch of real lemon flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Gives the cookies their tart, lively character—freshly squeezed is best.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the lemon with a subtle, cozy warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure while keeping things light.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): The secret to that ethereal, meltaway texture that sets these cookies apart.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Additional Powdered Sugar: For rolling and dusting, creating that iconic, pillowy coat.
How to Make Lemon Meltaways
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. You want the mixture to turn pale and fluffy—this step is key to ensuring your Lemon Meltaways have their signature lightness. Take your time, and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Add Lemon and Vanilla
Next, mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! The lemony aroma will immediately fill your kitchen, and you’ll notice the dough turning a lovely pale yellow. These ingredients are what give Lemon Meltaways their unmistakably bright character.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. This dry blend is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, as cornstarch softens the crumb and salt keeps the flavors balanced. Whisking first ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid over-mixing—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. The dough should be smooth and pliable, fragrant with lemon.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 2 inches thick. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time allows the dough to firm up, making it easy to slice and helping the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment. Once the dough is chilled, slice each log into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange on the prepared sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden—don’t overbake, or you’ll lose that delicate texture.
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This first coating clings beautifully, creating that classic meltaway finish. Once completely cool, dust them again for an extra snowy look and a touch more sweetness. Your Lemon Meltaways are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Lemon Meltaways
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try a sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top of the powdered sugar, or add a few curls of candied lemon peel for a festive look. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of white chocolate can be absolutely dreamy with the zesty flavor of Lemon Meltaways.
Side Dishes
Lemon Meltaways pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee, balancing the cookies’ sweetness and brightening the citrus notes. For a summery twist, serve them alongside bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of lemon sorbet for a delightful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Lemon Meltaways in a glass jar with layers of powdered sugar for a beautiful edible gift, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an elegant tea party presentation. You can even use them as a charming topper for ice cream or scatter them around a lemon tart for extra pizzazz.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Lemon Meltaways fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture for up to a week—if they last that long! Make sure to layer them with parchment to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place cooled Lemon Meltaways in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Dust with a fresh layer of powdered sugar after thawing for the best presentation.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your Lemon Meltaways slightly warm, just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes after freezing, or pop them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 2–3 minutes. Remember to re-dust with powdered sugar once they’re ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for Lemon Meltaways, as it delivers a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, bottled juice will work. Just be aware that the cookies may lose some of their zesty edge.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. This ensures your Lemon Meltaways have maximum citrus flavor without any bitterness.
Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?
Cornstarch creates a tender, crumbly texture that makes Lemon Meltaways truly melt in your mouth. Skipping it will result in a denser, less delicate cookie.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before slicing and baking is key. If your kitchen is warm, you can even pop the sliced cookies back in the fridge for a few minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten your day with a sunny burst of flavor, Lemon Meltaways are the perfect pick. They’re easy, fun, and absolutely irresistible—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of these little bites of happiness. I promise, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe before the last crumb disappears!
Print
Lemon Meltaways Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a refreshing citrus flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are lightly dusted with powdered sugar, making them the perfect sweet and tangy dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Coating
- Additional powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Beat in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture, evenly distributing the citrus flavor throughout.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed before incorporation.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking the batter to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape and Chill: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches thick. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm for easier slicing.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake Until Lightly Golden: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden, ensuring a tender crumb without over-baking.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly.
- Final Cooling and Dusting: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then dust again with powdered sugar before serving for an extra snowy finish.
Notes
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to one week, maintaining their freshness and delicate texture.
- You can freeze the shaped dough logs before slicing for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- For an intensified lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon extract to the wet ingredients.
- Handle the dough gently to prevent tough cookies, as overmixing can activate gluten in the flour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
