Lemon Meltaways: Irresistibly Soft Citrus Cookies Recipe
Lemon Meltaways are delightfully soft and tender cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, perfect for citrus lovers seeking a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Coated in powdered sugar, these cookies balance buttery richness with a refreshing lemony zing, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
For Coating
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Sugar: Beat softened unsalted butter and 1 cup powdered sugar together using an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth, creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine the citrus brightness evenly throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt, breaking up any lumps to ensure even mixing later.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until a cohesive, soft dough forms without overworking it to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier slicing.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice and Bake Cookies: Remove chilled dough logs from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place cookies on the baking sheets spaced apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges begin to turn a light golden color, avoiding overbaking to keep them soft.
- Coat Cookies in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before gently tossing them in 1 cup powdered sugar coating while still warm. For a beautiful, snowy finish, coat the cookies again once completely cooled.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is properly softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Chilling the dough logs is crucial for slicing nice even rounds.
- Double coating in powdered sugar gives the signature meltaway look and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Keywords: Lemon Meltaways, Soft Lemon Cookies, Citrus Cookies, Powdered Sugar Cookies, Lemon Zest Cookies, Melt-in-Mouth Cookies
