Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies offer a delicate, tender crumb that dissolves effortlessly.
- Bright Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing citrus taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only basic pantry staples, making it convenient to prepare.
- Quick Baking Time: Ready in just 8-10 minutes, satisfying your sweet tooth promptly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are completely cool, spread or drizzle the lemon icing over the tops. Let the icing set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a different citrus flavor.
- Herbal Infusion: Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic touch.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
What makes these cookies “meltaway”?
The combination of cornstarch and powdered sugar in the dough creates an ultra-tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent over-salting.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not required for this recipe, making it quicker to prepare.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How can I intensify the lemon flavor?
Increase the amount of lemon zest or add a small amount of lemon extract to the dough.
Can I make the icing thicker or thinner?
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker icing or more lemon juice for a thinner glaze.
Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
Yes, their sturdy yet tender texture makes them good candidates for shipping. Pack them carefully to prevent breakage.
Can I add food coloring to the icing?
Yes, a few drops of yellow food coloring can enhance the visual appeal, especially for themed occasions.
What other toppings can I use besides icing?
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can be used as alternative toppings.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is not overly soft, and measure the flour accurately to maintain the correct dough consistency.
Conclusion
Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang. Their easy preparation and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or share them with friends and family for a refreshing, zesty indulgence.
Lemon Meltaway Cookies
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with bright citrus flavor. They live up to their name, melting in your mouth with each bite. Perfect for citrus lovers, these cookies are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually combine with the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spread or drizzle icing over cooled cookies. Let it set before serving.
Notes
- For extra citrus flavor, add more lemon zest or a drop of lemon extract.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months; glaze after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
