Description
Lemon Meltaway Cookies are delicate, tender cookies bursting with bright, citrusy flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine softened butter, fresh lemon zest, and a simple mix of dry ingredients for a perfectly soft texture. Finished with a sweet lemon icing, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
Lemon Icing
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon zest. Use an electric mixer to cream together until the mixture is light and fluffy, enhancing the lemon flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until well combined to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until fully incorporated to form a smooth cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop dough into approximately 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each gently between your palms to create smooth, uniform balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just set but centers remain soft.
- Flatten Cookies: Immediately after removing from the oven, lightly flatten the surface of each cookie using a clean, flat object such as a measuring cup or glass. This helps achieve the signature meltaway texture. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before proceeding.
- Prepare Lemon Icing and Garnish: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle or spread the lemon icing on cooled cookies and optionally garnish with additional lemon zest for extra brightness.
Notes
- Bright and citrusy lemon meltaway cookies have a wonderfully tender texture that literally melts in your mouth.
- The recipe is simple, requiring only seven ingredients but delivers full lemon flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus taste.
- Immediately flattening the cookies after baking helps create the perfect soft texture.
- Cookies should cool completely before icing to prevent melting the glaze.
- This recipe yields about 36 cookies, making it perfect for sharing or gifting.
- For best results, use softened butter, not melted butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 111 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg
