Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are delightful, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with a refreshing lemon flavor. Perfect as a light dessert or a sweet treat to enjoy with tea or coffee, these cookies bring a burst of citrus to any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
2. Step 2: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
3. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Step 4: Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with the remaining powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra lemony kick, add more lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
• Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, try making a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzling it over the cooled cookies.
• Try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough for a unique flavor twist.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat gently at room temperature or enjoy as is.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still pale in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with bright lemon zest and juice, creating a refreshing citrus flavor that melts in your mouth. Perfect as a light dessert or with tea and coffee, these elegant cookies feature a tender crumb dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly combined. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to form a soft dough.
2. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Lightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your palm to create a uniform thickness.
3. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain pale. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Dust with Powdered Sugar: After the cookies have cooled completely, dust them generously with the remaining powdered sugar to create a delicate, sweet coating that enhances their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

• For an extra lemony flavor, increase the lemon zest or add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
• Instead of powdered sugar dusting, try a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and drizzling it over the cooled cookies.
• For a unique twist, add finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the dough.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freeze cookies for up to 3 months; layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Fresh lemon juice is preferred for best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if necessary.
• Cookies firm up as they cool; look for lightly golden edges but pale centers to avoid overbaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Lemon Meltaways, lemon cookies, buttery cookies, lemon dessert, tea cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, powdered sugar cookies