These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are the ultimate treat for citrus lovers! With a buttery, delicate texture and a tangy lemon glaze, they literally melt in your mouth. Perfect for springtime gatherings, tea parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for a light, zesty dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicate Texture: Soft and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Bright Lemon Flavor: Perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh lemons.
- Versatile: Great for tea parties, holidays, or everyday treats.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/8 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/8 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
Make the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Mix in the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Lemon Glaze
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, and 1 1/4 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed for desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon or drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Orange Meltaways: Replace the lemon zest and juice with orange for a sweeter citrus flavor.
- Lime Zest: Swap the lemon for lime for a tangy twist.
- Vanilla Addition: Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cookie dough for extra depth of flavor.
- Powdered Sugar Topping: Skip the glaze and dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Glaze them after thawing.
- Reheating: No reheating is necessary, but you can let frozen cookies come to room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes! Simply add a pinch of salt to the dough if using unsalted butter.
2. How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies if your kitchen is warm.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
4. What’s the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch gives the cookies their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month.
6. What consistency should the glaze have?
The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add a tiny bit of lemon juice at a time if it’s too thick.
7. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Package them in a decorative box or bag for a beautiful homemade gift.
8. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds extra tang and sweetness.
9. What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove just the yellow outer layer of the lemon skin. Avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
10. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
Conclusion
These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery softness with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for spring gatherings, tea parties, or as a gift, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Treat yourself to these melt-in-your-mouth cookies today!
Print
Lemon Meltaway Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a citrus lover’s dream! Buttery, soft, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they literally melt in your mouth. Perfect for springtime treats, tea parties, or any occasion where you want a light and refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 1/8 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened salted butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Add the cornstarch and all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough is smooth and well combined.
- Shape the cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
-
Make the Lemon Glaze:
- Prepare the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted unsalted butter until smooth.
- Glaze the cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops or dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Prepare the glaze:
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle with extra lemon zest or powdered sugar after glazing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American