Lemon Meltaways are the kind of cookies that disappear as quickly as you make them. With their buttery texture, delicate crumb, and a burst of fresh lemon flavor, these cookies practically melt in your mouth. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply when you need a citrusy pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Buttery and soft with every bite.
Fresh Lemon Flavor: Bright and refreshing without being overpowering.
Pretty & Elegant: A light dusting of sugar makes them look bakery-worthy.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples with a fresh citrus twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until dough forms.
3. Chill
Shape dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into ½-inch rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden.
5. Coat in Sugar
While cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Let cool completely and dust again if desired for a snowy finish.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemons: Juice and zest from fresh lemons give the best flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Helps cookies hold their shape when baking.
- Double Dust: A second coat of powdered sugar after cooling makes them extra pretty.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer.
Why This Recipe Works
Cornstarch creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the combination of lemon zest and juice delivers vibrant citrus flavor. The buttery base balances the tang, making these cookies irresistible without being overly sweet.
Lemon Meltaways are the perfect cookie for lemon lovers—soft, buttery, and bursting with sunshine flavor. Elegant yet simple, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion and a delightful way to brighten your dessert table. With their light dusting of sugar and melt-in-your-mouth bite, these cookies are destined to become a favorite.
Lemon Meltaways – Bright, Buttery, and Irresistibly Soft
24
servings15
minutes30
minutes95
kcal55
minutesLemon Meltaways are the kind of cookies that disappear as quickly as you make them. With their buttery texture, delicate crumb, and a burst of fresh lemon flavor, these cookies practically melt in your mouth. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply when you need a citrusy pick-me-up.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- . Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. - Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until dough forms. - Chill
Shape dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into ½-inch rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden. - Coat in Sugar
While cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Let cool completely and dust again if desired for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Juice and zest from fresh lemons give the best flavor.
Chill the Dough: Helps cookies hold their shape when baking.
Double Dust: A second coat of powdered sugar after cooling makes them extra pretty.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer.