Description
These Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies that dissolve in your mouth with every bite. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and coated in sweet powdered sugar, they’re the perfect treat for tea parties, special occasions, or whenever you crave a little sunshine in your day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 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 all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Slice and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets.
- Coat the Cookies:
- While the cookies are still warm, gently toss them in powdered sugar. For an extra burst of lemon flavor, mix the powdered sugar with additional lemon zest before coating.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, toss them in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating, if desired.
Notes
- Fresh Lemon: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled juice won’t deliver the same brightness.
- Storage: Store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Double Coating: Toss the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again after cooling—for a perfectly sweet and zesty finish.
- Optional Variations: Swap lemon for lime or orange for a fun citrus twist, or add poppy seeds for a bit of crunch.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American