Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways are the perfect treat for those who crave a light, refreshing, and melt-in-your-mouth cookie. With a zesty lemon flavor and a buttery, tender texture, these cookies are the ideal balance of sweetness and citrus. The addition of cornstarch ensures they have that signature delicate, meltaway quality, while the lemon extract and zest give them a bright, aromatic flavor that’s sure to make every bite a delight. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies will add a refreshing citrus twist to your dessert repertoire.

The simplicity of these cookies makes them an easy option for both novice and seasoned bakers. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have a batch of these delicious cookies ready in no time. The lightness of the dough and the melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a perfect companion to a cup of tea or coffee, while their vibrant lemon flavor adds a delightful touch to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, gifting homemade treats, or satisfying your sweet tooth, Lemon Meltaways are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture

The combination of butter, cornstarch, and flour creates a light and tender cookie that melts in your mouth with each bite.

2. Bright Lemon Flavor

The fresh zest of lemon and lemon extract provide a tangy, citrusy kick that makes these cookies refreshing and irresistible.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple steps, these cookies come together quickly. The dough can be refrigerated in advance, making it easy to prepare ahead of time.

4. Perfect for Gifting

These cookies are the perfect homemade gift for friends and family, beautifully dusted in powdered sugar and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.

5. Versatile and Customizable

If you’re not a fan of lemon, you can easily swap it out for other citrus flavors like lime or orange. The basic dough is also adaptable for other flavorings.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Lemon zest
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Variations

1. Lime Meltaways: Substitute lemon zest and extract for lime zest and lime extract for a zesty lime version of these cookies.
2. Orange Meltaways: Swap lemon flavor for orange zest and orange extract for a different citrus twist.
3. Glazed Lemon Meltaways: After baking, drizzle a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cookies.
4. Add Poppy Seeds: For a slight crunch and a more textured cookie, consider adding poppy seeds to the dough.
5. Vegan Version: Substitute vegan butter for the regular butter and a plant-based egg replacer to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies tender.

Step 2: Add Lemon Extract and Zest

Mix in the lemon extract and lemon zest, ensuring the lemon flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. These dry ingredients are essential to achieving the meltaway texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. The dough should come together without being too sticky.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 7: Form the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but not browned. The cookies should still appear pale with a soft center.

Step 9: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm for a perfect, sugary coating.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing them. This helps to ensure they maintain their shape and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
2. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right texture when creaming it with sugar.
3. Roll the Cookies in Powdered Sugar Twice: For an extra sugary coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar once when warm and again after they’ve cooled completely.
4. Adjust Lemon Flavor: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add extra zest or a little more lemon extract to the dough.
5. Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness.

How to Serve

Lemon Meltaways are perfect for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or as a light dessert after dinner. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of lemonade. Their delicate sweetness and fresh citrus flavor make them a refreshing treat for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay fresh and maintain their melt-in-your-mouth texture for several days.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, and they do not require reheating. Simply thaw frozen cookies and roll them in powdered sugar again if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of salt added.

2. Can I substitute lemon extract for lemon zest?

Lemon extract provides flavor, but it’s not a perfect substitute for zest, as zest adds natural oils and texture. It’s best to use both for the most authentic flavor.

3. How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?

Chill the dough for at least an hour before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

4. Can I make these cookies without cornstarch?

Cornstarch is essential for creating the meltaway texture. If you don’t have it, you could try substituting with a small amount of rice flour.

5. Can I use a hand mixer instead of mixing by hand?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar, making the process faster.

6. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

7. How can I make these cookies more lemony?

Increase the amount of lemon zest or add a little more lemon extract for an even more vibrant lemon flavor.

8. Can I add a glaze on top of the cookies?

Yes, a simple lemon glaze can be added by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice. Drizzle it over the cookies after they’ve cooled.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too dry?

Be sure not to over-bake the cookies. They should be soft and slightly set when removed from the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring.

10. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might vary slightly.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a delightful, easy-to-make cookie that will impress anyone who loves a light, citrusy treat. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, fresh lemon flavor, and delicate sweetness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging in a cozy dessert, Lemon Meltaways are a wonderful choice that will leave you craving more.

Print