Lemon Meltaways Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that bursts with citrusy brightness, you’ve come to the right place. This Lemon Meltaways Recipe brings together the perfect balance of buttery softness and zesty lemon flavor that will enchant your taste buds from the very first bite. These delicate cookies are irresistibly tender, lightly sweetened, and topped with a luscious lemon glaze that adds just the right hint of tang. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy afternoon tea or as a show-stopping dessert, Lemon Meltaways are set to become your new favorite go-to cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role in creating cookies that are irresistibly tender and bursting with lemony goodness. From the creamy butter that ensures a soft texture to the fresh lemon juice and zest that provide that signature citrus zing, every component is essential.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter helps achieve a light, fluffy dough and keeps the cookies tender.
- Powdered sugar: Provides a smooth sweetness without graininess, perfect for delicate cookies and glaze.
- Lemon zest: Adds vibrant citrus oils that amplify the flavor without extra acidity.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings fresh, bright lemon flavor that’s key to the cookie’s signature taste.
- Vanilla extract: Balances the lemon’s tartness with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies while keeping them soft.
- Cornstarch: Contributes to a melt-in-your-mouth texture by tenderizing the dough.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Meltaways Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is what gives the cookies their delicate texture and subtle sweetness, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Mix in Lemon and Vanilla
Add the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Blend everything until it’s wonderfully fragrant and fully combined, capturing that fresh, citrus aroma that promises deliciousness ahead.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This creates the dry base that will give the cookies their structure and meltaway quality.
Step 5: Form the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle here. If the dough feels too soft to handle, pop it into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes — chilled dough is much easier to shape.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Then gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, giving each cookie its classic meltaway shape.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges start to turn a gentle golden color. Keep an eye on them — you want tender cookies, not crispy ones.
Step 8: Cool Completely Before Glazing
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial so your glaze doesn’t melt away prematurely.
Step 9: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional lemon zest until the glaze is smooth. This glossy drizzle adds a beautiful finish and an extra burst of lemon flavor.
Step 10: Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously drizzle or spread the lemon glaze on top. Let the glaze set before serving to enjoy the perfect texture contrast between soft cookie and tangy glaze.
How to Serve Lemon Meltaways Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of elegance is easy: sprinkle a little extra lemon zest or a few finely chopped candied lemon peel pieces on top of the glaze. These garnishes brighten the appearance and lend a bit of zing that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Lemon Meltaways pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea. They are also a lovely companion to light desserts like fresh berries or a simple vanilla panna cotta for a complete citrus-inspired dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by arranging these cookies on a tiered dessert stand for parties or gifting them in cute boxes tied with yellow ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat. Serving with a small pot of lemon curd on the side invites guests to dip for an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed, store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days and maintain their tender texture and bright flavor beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw completely and add the glaze fresh for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warm cookie, pop a few Lemon Meltaways in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes after they’ve thawed. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the glaze too much and make the cookies crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice delivers a brighter, more vibrant flavor essential to this Lemon Meltaways Recipe. Fresh zest also really makes a difference.
Is cornstarch necessary?
Yes! Cornstarch is key to achieving that signature meltaway texture by tenderizing the dough and preventing it from becoming tough or chewy.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Substituting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour mix should work, but you may need to adjust for texture. Adding a little extra cornstarch can help retain softness.
How long does the glaze take to set?
Typically, the lemon glaze sets within 30 minutes at room temperature. You can speed this up by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These cookies scale well. Just be mindful when mixing not to overwork the dough, and you might need extra baking sheets for baking all the cookies evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that’s light, buttery, and luxuriously infused with fresh lemon flavor, this Lemon Meltaways Recipe is your new best friend. It’s straightforward to make, brings a joyful brightness to any gathering, and bakes up to perfect buttery, soft goodness every time. Give it a try and watch these meltaway treats become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Lemon Meltaways Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Lemon Meltaways are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for brightening teatime or holiday cookie platters, these light and buttery treats combine the zing of citrus with a tender, crumbly texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined to infuse the dough with fresh citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and prevent lumps.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your fingers to create evenly shaped cookies.
- Chill if Needed: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm up, making shaping easier.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain their tender, meltaway texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing residual heat to finish the baking process evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: While cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional lemon zest until smooth and pourable for a bright finishing touch.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over the cookies. Let the glaze set fully before serving, giving them a glossy and tangy finish.
Notes
- For more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest by an additional teaspoon.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.
- If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze unglazed cookies and glaze after thawing for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
