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Lemon Meltaways

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
  • Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a zesty lemon flavor that truly melt in your mouth. Coated in powdered sugar, they’re perfect for tea time, holiday trays, or any occasion that calls for a bright and refreshing treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Coating:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

2. Chill the Dough:

  1. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  2. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

3. Slice and Bake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  3. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets.

4. Coat the Cookies:

  1. While the cookies are still warm, gently toss them in powdered sugar. For extra lemony flavor, mix the powdered sugar with additional lemon zest before coating.
  2. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Toss them in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating, if desired.



Notes

  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Lemon Substitutes: For a different flavor, try orange or lime zest and juice instead of lemon.
  • Decorative Touch: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness.