Lemon Meltaways

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Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies that deliver a bright burst of citrus in every bite. With their crumbly texture and subtle tangy sweetness, these cookies practically melt in your mouth. The combination of zesty lemon and soft powdered sugar coating creates a refreshing and light dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

These cookies hold a sentimental place in my heart. I first made them on a sunny spring afternoon, and they’ve been a go-to ever since. The fresh aroma of lemon zest being grated filled the kitchen, signaling that something special was on its way. The powdered sugar dusting is the final touch, making each cookie look like a little edible snowball.

Lemon Meltaways are ideal when you’re craving something simple yet elegant. They’re perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or even lemonade on a warm day. Serve them at brunch, afternoon tea, or as part of a dessert platter, and watch how quickly they disappear. If you’re searching for a cookie that’s as comforting as it is vibrant, Lemon Meltaways are an absolute must!

Perfect for:

  • Tea time treats
  • Dessert trays
  • Family gatherings
  • Citrus lovers
  • Everyday snacking

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Lemon Meltaways are a must-try:

  • Soft and Buttery Texture: They dissolve on your tongue, creating a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • Bright Lemon Flavor: Packed with zesty lemon goodness for a fresh and tangy taste.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, making them accessible for any baker.
  • Kid-Friendly: Their sweet and tangy flavor is loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or tartness to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: About 100 calories per cookie

Ingredients

To make Lemon Meltaways, you’ll need the following:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Highlights

  • Butter: Provides the cookies with a rich, buttery base and tender crumb.
  • Lemon Zest and Juice: The key flavor components, adding a vibrant citrusy kick.
  • Cornstarch: Helps achieve the light, meltaway texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used in the dough and for coating, adding a delicate sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the lemon flavor without overpowering it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Lemon and Vanilla: Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Chill the Dough:

  1. Roll the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap.
  2. Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Slice the Dough: Cut the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Be careful not to overbake.

Coat with Sugar:

  1. Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  2. Coat: While still warm, gently toss the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

How to Serve

Lemon Meltaways can be served in several ways to make the most of their flavor and texture:

  • Tea Time: Pair with a cup of black or green tea for a refreshing afternoon snack.
  • Dessert Platter: Arrange on a dessert tray alongside shortbread or fruit tarts for variety.
  • Gift Boxes: Place in decorative tins or boxes as homemade gifts for loved ones.
  • Lemon Lovers’ Dessert: Serve alongside lemon curd or fresh berries for a tangy, citrusy dessert spread.
  • Picnic Treats: Pack them up for an outdoor gathering—they travel well and stay delicious even at room temperature.

Additional Tips

  • Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps the cookies retain their shape and enhances the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are essential for the best flavor.
  • Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth coating and prevents clumps.
  • Double Coat for Extra Sweetness: If you want a sweeter cookie, coat them twice in powdered sugar—once while warm and again after cooling.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough, so mix just until combined.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 ways to customize your Lemon Meltaways:

  1. Lime Meltaways: Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon for a tropical twist.
  2. Orange Meltaways: Use orange juice and zest for a sweeter, more floral citrus flavor.
  3. Vanilla Bean Meltaways: Add scraped vanilla bean for a more intense vanilla flavor.
  4. Gluten-Free Lemon Meltaways: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
  5. Lavender Lemon Meltaways: Add a pinch of culinary lavender for a floral note.
  6. Lemon Poppy Seed: Mix in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
  7. Coconut Lemon Meltaways: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flavor and texture boost.
  8. Lemon Thyme Meltaways: Incorporate a small amount of finely chopped fresh thyme for an herby twist.
  9. Lemon Almond Meltaways: Add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty undertone.
  10. Sugar-Free Lemon Meltaways: Use a sugar substitute to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing Dough: Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Room Temperature Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make Lemon Meltaways with ease:

  1. Mixing Bowls: Ideal for keeping wet and dry ingredients separate until it’s time to combine, ensuring a balanced dough texture.
  2. Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar together, achieving a light and fluffy base that’s essential for tender cookies.
  3. Plastic Wrap: Helps shape and chill the dough evenly, making it easier to slice or scoop without sticking.
  4. Sharp Knife: Ensures clean, precise slices of dough for uniformly baked cookies.
  5. Baking Sheet: A parchment-lined or nonstick baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
  6. Wire Rack: Allows the cookies to cool completely, maintaining their crisp edges and soft centers.
  7. Sifter: Creates a light, even coating of powdered sugar, adding the finishing touch to your cookies.
  8. Cookie Scoop: An optional tool for the easily shaping round cookies with consistent size and shape.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
    Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
  2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
    Ensure the dough is chilled properly and that the butter wasn’t too soft when you started.
  3. How can I make these less sweet?
    Reduce the powdered sugar used for coating or skip the second coating step.
  4. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes, the dough freezes well and can be stored for up to 2 months.
  5. How do I ensure the cookies don’t overbake?
    Watch for the edges to turn just slightly golden. Overbaking can cause a dry texture.
  6. Are these cookies nut-free?
    Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free.
  7. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Absolutely! The dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
  8. Can I make these vegan?
    Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative to make them vegan-friendly.
  9. Why are my cookies crumbly?
    Overbaking or too much flour can cause crumbly cookies. Be sure to measure carefully.
  10. How can I enhance the lemon flavor?
    Add a bit more lemon zest or a drop of lemon extract for a more intense citrus flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways offer a heavenly burst of citrus in every delicate, buttery bite—a dessert that lives up to its name by literally melting on your tongue. The bright lemon zest and tart glaze provide a perfect contrast to the rich, crumbly shortbread base, making each cookie as refreshing as it is indulgent.

What makes these treats truly special is their simplicity and versatility. Whether served with tea, packed as a gift, or enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re guaranteed to brighten any moment. You can even experiment with orange or lime for a fun citrus twist!

These meltaways are easy to bake and impossible to resist, perfect for citrus lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a staple in your baking rotation. Be sure to share your creations—I’d love to see how they turn out for you! Happy baking!

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