Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a refreshing citrus twist. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for tea time or a light dessert. Their soft texture and lemony flavor make them irresistible.

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 and 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until 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. 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 add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Step 6: Using a small scoop or spoon, shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with the remaining powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense lemon flavor, add a little lemon extract in addition to the zest and juice.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar dusting to 1/4 cup.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape better.

Storage

Store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature and consider refreshing them with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

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 provides the best flavor and brightness, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. If using bottled, choose a high-quality juice without added preservatives for the best result.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cookie’s texture.

Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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4.6 from 107 reviews

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, offering a light citrus flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar, these treats make a delightful addition to any tea time or dessert platter.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Mixture

• 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

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 the softened butter and 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Beat in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully combined, ensuring the citrus flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be 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, leaving space between each to allow for slight spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.
8. Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly before transferring.
9. Transfer and Dust with Sugar: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust them generously with the remaining sifted powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies light and tender.
• Allow cookies to cool just a bit before transferring to avoid breakage.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• These cookies can be made a day ahead; just dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Keywords: lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, lemon meltaways, buttery lemon cookies, powdered sugar cookies, easy lemon cookie recipe, citrus cookies