Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

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Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

A soft, buttery cookie with a delicate texture and a burst of fresh lemon flavor, Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are the ultimate treat for lemon lovers. These cookies practically melt in your mouth, and the tangy lemon glaze on top adds a perfect finishing touch. Perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or gifting during holidays, these cookies are light, airy, and utterly irresistible.

History & Formation

Lemon-flavored cookies have been beloved in European baking for centuries, with recipes evolving from simple shortbread to soft, melt-in-your-mouth varieties. The “meltaway” concept likely stems from French and British pastry traditions, which focus on achieving a delicate, tender texture that dissolves on the tongue. Lemon zest and juice became popular additions in the 19th century, when citrus was prized for its refreshing taste and bright aroma.

Meltaway cookies are often formed by blending butter and sugar until creamy, adding flour and other dry ingredients for a tender crumb, and shaping small mounds or balls that flatten slightly during baking. A glaze or dusting of powdered sugar adds the final touch, enhancing both sweetness and presentation.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

Methods & Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cookie dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer).
  3. Add the lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape and bake

  1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  2. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
  4. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar (for thicker glaze) or lemon juice (for thinner glaze).
  2. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or brush the glaze on top. Let the glaze set for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Meltaways

  • Use room temperature butter for a smoother dough and better texture.
  • Don’t overmix once you add the flour; overmixing can make cookies dense.
  • Fresh lemon zest gives a brighter, more aromatic flavor than bottled lemon juice alone.
  • For extra indulgence, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sugar on top before baking for a subtle crunch.

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that combine buttery richness with refreshing citrus flavor. They are perfect for sharing with friends, enjoying with tea or coffee, or keeping as a personal indulgence. Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a tangy glaze makes them unforgettable.

For Lemon Lovers

These cookies are a celebration of lemon in every bite! Anyone who adores bright, zesty flavors will instantly fall in love. They’re light enough for afternoon snacks but flavorful enough to feel like a special dessert. A little lemon love goes a long way in brightening any moment.

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