Zesty Lemon Meltaways Recipe: Sunshine Cookies in Every Bite

Delicate and buttery, these lemon meltaways dance with zesty citrus flavors that melt right on your tongue.

Soft cookie magic happens when you blend tangy lemon zest into a delicate shortbread-like base.

Powdered sugar coating adds an elegant finish to these delightful treats.

Crumbly yet smooth, each bite delivers a burst of bright lemon essence.

The recipe works beautifully for afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving.

These cookies are so light, they practically dissolve before you can savor their incredible taste.

Whip up a batch and watch everyone fall in love with these irresistible lemony delights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Calories: 163 kcal

Servings: 23

Lemon Meltaways Ingredients That Make Them Shine

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, smooth texture and helps cookies hold together with delicate melt-in-mouth quality.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky softness and helps achieve delicate, light cookie structure.
• Flour: Gives structural foundation and tender crumb to the delicate cookies.
• Cornstarch: Enhances delicate texture and ensures incredibly soft, melt-away consistency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavor nuances.

• Lemon Zest: Delivers bright, vibrant citrus notes and aromatic intensity.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and heightens overall citrus profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor complexity and provides subtle warmth.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates elegant, snow-like coating and adds gentle sweetness to completed cookies.

Tools To Bake Lemon Meltaways With Ease

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for creaming butter and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for getting butter and sugar light and fluffy.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create fine lemon zest for maximum flavor.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Plastic Wrap: Needed to wrap and chill cookie dough logs.
• Baking Sheets: Used for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing chilled dough into even rounds.

How To Get The Texture Right In Lemon Meltaways

• Dough Preparation

Mix butter and sugar in a bowl until creamy and soft. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla for a zesty flavor. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt separately, then slowly blend into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.

• Dough Chilling

Split the dough into two equal logs, approximately 1.5 inches thick. Wrap each log in plastic and refrigerate for one hour to firm up the texture.

• Baking Process

Heat oven to 350F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled logs into thin rounds. Arrange cookies with space between them. Bake until edges turn light golden, about 10-12 minutes. Let cookies rest briefly on baking sheets.

• Sugar Coating

While cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. For an extra burst of citrus, mix lemon zest into the sugar beforehand. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Optional second coating of powdered sugar creates a beautiful finish.

Zesty Additions For Lemon Meltaways

• Zesty Baking Hacks: Elevate Your Lemon Meltaways
• Chilling Perfection: Freeze the dough logs for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to bake fresh cookies anytime. Slice directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time for ultimate convenience.
• Texture Trick: Use cornstarch sparingly to create an ultra-delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies incredibly tender and light.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different citrus zests like lime or orange for unique flavor variations that keep the recipe exciting and fresh.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly cookies. Replace butter with vegan margarine to create a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serving Lemon Meltaways As A Sweet Bite

• Zesty Tea Party Delights: Serve these delicate lemon meltaways alongside a steaming pot of Earl Grey tea for an elegant afternoon treat that melts in your mouth.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Create a beautiful summer dessert tray with these cookies, adding fresh berries, mint leaves, and a light lemon curd for a vibrant presentation that showcases their delicate texture.
• Gift-Worthy Treats: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a yellow ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for birthdays, bridal showers, or as a sweet surprise for lemon-loving friends.
• Brunch Companion: Pair these light cookies with a citrus mimosa or fresh fruit salad for a delightful brunch spread that brings a touch of sunshine to the morning table.

Tips For Storing Lemon Meltaways In Tins

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper sheets. These delicate treats maintain their texture for 5-7 days when chilled, preventing crumbling and preserving their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap unbaked dough logs tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen cookie dough stays fresh for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen state, adding extra 2-3 minutes to baking time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough logs up to 48 hours before baking. Refrigerate wrapped logs and slice when ready to bake. Room temperature preparation ensures consistent cookie texture and even browning.
• Travel-Ready Technique: Pack completely cooled cookies between layers of wax paper inside sturdy containers. Dust with fresh powdered sugar right before serving to maintain that gorgeous snowy appearance. Cookies remain delectable for weekend trips or potluck gatherings.

Zesty Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Delicate lemon meltaways cookies melt gracefully with zesty citrus notes. Buttery shortbread crumbles elegantly, inviting sweet moments of pure satisfaction for cookie enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for coating)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Dough Base: Whip butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, pale cream-colored foundation.
2. Enhance Flavor Profile: Incorporate lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute citrus notes evenly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a fine, uniform dry mixture that will provide delicate structure to the cookies.
4. Form Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to create a soft, pliable dough that holds together without overworking.
5. Shape and Chill: Divide dough into two equal portions, roll into smooth 1.5-inch diameter logs, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour to solidify and intensify flavors.
6. Prepare for Baking: Heat oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating an ideal surface for the delicate cookies.
7. Slice and Arrange: Remove chilled logs, cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and place carefully on prepared baking sheets with gentle spacing.
8. Bake and Coat: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a light golden hue, then immediately roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, optionally sprinkling additional lemon zest for enhanced citrus intensity.
9. Finish and Serve: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then perform a final dusting of powdered sugar to create a pristine, cloud-like finish that melts in your mouth.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, cornstarch, and sugar to maintain the delicate texture and prevent dense cookies.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate logs for at least 1 hour to ensure clean cuts and prevent spreading during baking, creating perfect round shapes.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to keep the dough tender and prevent tough, dense cookies that lose their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Control Baking Time: Watch cookies closely during the 10-12 minute baking window; slight golden edges indicate perfect doneness without drying out the delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 163
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg