Save Pin These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are light, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet, tangy lemon glaze, they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether youre looking for a refreshing dessert, a teatime snack, or a homemade gift, these delicate cookies are sure to impress.
I first whipped up these cookies for a spring brunch, and they disappeared so quickly my guests still talk about them. Theyve become a sunny staple in my kitchen & always bring smiles on rainy afternoons.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar (glaze): 1 cup
- Fresh lemon juice (glaze): 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest (glaze, optional): 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Lemon Flavoring:
- Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies:
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls, place on baking sheet, and gently flatten with fingers.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but pale. Cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, add zest if desired.
- Glaze Cookies:
- Drizzle or dip cookies in glaze. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.
Save Pin My kids love helping with the lemon glaze & it always turns into a sticky, giggly moment in our kitchen. These cookies are a cherished treat at our family gatherings.
Storing and Serving
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 1 month.
Customizations
You can easily swap the lemon for lime or orange for a fun citrus twist. Add a pinch of cardamom for a subtle spice note.
Pairings
Serve with your favorite tea or lemonade for a bright, refreshing treat. They make lovely gifts when packed in a pretty tin.
Save Pin Try these cookies whenever you need a burst of sunshine & sweet tang. Theyre simple, delightful, and sure to bring smiles.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture?
The combination of unsalted butter and cornstarch creates a light, tender crumb that dissolves effortlessly on the palate.
- → Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more intense flavor, but bottled can be used if necessary for convenience.
- → How do I store these cookies for freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for extended storage.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 48 hours in advance, helping flavors develop further before baking.
- → Is the lemon glaze optional?
The glaze adds extra citrus punch and sweetness, but the cookies are delicious even without it for a less tangy version.