Description
Lemon Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with bright citrus flavor that truly melt in your mouth. With a perfect balance of fresh lemon zest and juice, these soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are easy to make with just seven simple ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
Lemon Icing
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Optional Garnish
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon zest. Use an electric mixer to cream the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is fully combined and forms a soft dough.
- Shape Dough into Balls: Scoop the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized portions. Roll each portion gently between your palms to create smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until cookies are lightly set but not browned.
- Flatten Cookie Tops: Once removed from the oven, immediately press the surface of each cookie lightly with a clean flat object (such as the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass) to give them their signature meltaway texture. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Lemon Icing: While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to form a smooth icing. Adjust thickness by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Decorate and Garnish: Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon icing over each cookie and optionally garnish with additional lemon zest for extra freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best vibrant citrus flavor.
- Flattening the cookies immediately after baking helps achieve their signature delicate melt-away texture.
- If you prefer a thicker icing, reduce the lemon juice slightly.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This recipe yields about 36 cookies, perfect for gatherings or gifting.
- Try using a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper for an even more non-stick surface.
- A video demonstration of the recipe is recommended for visual guidance on texture and dough handling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 111 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg
