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Meltaway Lemon Cookies: A Deliciously Light & Tangy Treat
Introduction:
Meltaway Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and light. These little bite-sized delights, made with cream cheese and lemon zest, are so tender that they practically dissolve in your mouth. They’re buttery, soft, and just the right amount of lemony, making them a crowd favorite. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, these cookies are sure to win over anyone who loves a fresh, zesty cookie.
Let’s dive into the recipe, which includes easy-to-follow steps to create the perfect batch of meltaway cookies!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, so mix for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the sugar, and continue beating until fully combined, about another 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the dough comes together and is smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid a flour explosion. Once combined, your dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies maintain their delicate texture and ensures they don’t spread too much during baking.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to form tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into smooth balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them bake evenly.
4. Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as these cookies can go from golden to overdone quickly.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Glaze the Cookies:
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a small piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Methods & Tips:
- Chill the Dough: The key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth cookies is chilling the dough. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them hold their shape and maintain that soft texture.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds a soft, tender quality to the cookies. Don’t skip this ingredient! It’s part of what makes them “meltaway.”
- Lemon Zest: Make sure to use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor. The zest adds a fragrant, citrusy punch that complements the sweetness of the cookie and the glaze.
- Glaze: The glaze is optional, but it adds a nice tangy finish to the cookies. You can also customize the glaze by adding a bit of vanilla extract or even a dash of fresh orange juice for a different twist.
History of Lemon Cookies:
Lemon cookies have been a beloved treat for centuries. Originating from the use of lemons in European desserts, lemon-flavored cookies gained popularity in the 19th century as the zest of lemons became more commonly available. These citrusy cookies were a favorite among royal courts and upper-class households, prized for their lightness and refreshing flavor.
Over time, variations emerged, with some cookies being dense and chewy, while others, like these meltaway cookies, are light as air and practically dissolve on your tongue. Today, lemon cookies remain a staple in many kitchens, thanks to their fresh taste and versatility. The addition of cream cheese in this recipe adds a modern twist, giving these cookies a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s become a new favorite.
Formation of a Perfect Cookie:
To create the perfect meltaway cookie, the dough should be tender, smooth, and slightly sticky. The softening of the butter and cream cheese helps create a delicate crumb. The chill time allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to form into neat rounds that hold their shape during baking. The final touch of lemon glaze adds a shiny, sweet contrast to the tangy citrus flavor.
Conclusion:
Meltaway Lemon Cookies are the perfect combination of light, buttery goodness and zesty lemon flavor. With their tender texture and irresistible sweetness, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. They’re not too heavy, making them perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a tea party, gifting them to a friend, or enjoying them yourself with a warm cup of tea. So, grab your ingredients, chill the dough, and bake your way to a batch of melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
For the Cookie Lovers:
These meltaway lemon cookies are for everyone who loves a delicate, citrusy treat with a soft, crumbly texture. If you’re someone who enjoys fresh, tangy desserts and appreciates a cookie that melts in your mouth, this recipe is a must-try. They’re perfect for holiday celebrations, springtime picnics, or just a cozy afternoon snack. These cookies are sure to become your new go-to recipe!
Happy baking, and I hope you enjoy these Meltaway Lemon Cookies as much as I do! Let me know how they turn out! 🍪🍋