Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways are a delightful treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with a soft, buttery texture. These cookies practically dissolve in your mouth, leaving behind a refreshing citrus taste that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of lemon extract and zest infuses the dough with a burst of flavor, while the addition of cornstarch gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality. Rolled in powdered sugar after baking, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their delicate, snowy finish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, Lemon Meltaways are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture

The cornstarch in the dough creates a delicate texture that makes these cookies practically melt in your mouth, offering a soft and buttery bite.

2. Bright Citrus Flavor

The combination of lemon extract and fresh lemon zest delivers a vibrant, zesty flavor that brightens up any day and pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.

3. Quick and Easy

With only a few simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies come together quickly. They require minimal preparation, making them perfect for when you need a quick treat.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

From holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Their refreshing flavor and light texture make them ideal for a wide range of events.

5. Customizable Sweetness

You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar you roll the cookies in to suit your sweetness preference, ensuring every bite is just right for you.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Lemon zest
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Variations

• Add Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies for extra citrusy sweetness. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a smooth, pourable glaze.
• Infuse with Lavender: For a fragrant twist, add a pinch of dried lavender to the dough for a floral note that complements the lemon.
• Add Poppy Seeds: To give these cookies a slight crunch and a touch of elegance, stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a fun texture contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Lemon Extract and Zest

Mix in the lemon extract and lemon zest. The zest adds a fresh, fragrant citrus punch to the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. This mixture will help give the cookies their tender texture.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together and is well combined.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 7: Roll the Dough into Balls

Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between the balls as they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are set but not browned. Be careful not to overbake, as the goal is a soft, meltaway texture.

Step 9: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to get a light coating. This step adds a lovely sweetness and a snowy finish.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The powdered sugar will settle and create a soft, sugary coating that enhances their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough ensures the cookies keep their shape and helps them bake more evenly.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Room-temperature butter mixes better with the powdered sugar, creating a smoother dough.
• Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before rolling the cookies will prevent clumps and create an even coating.
• Bake in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, bake the cookies in batches to prevent overcrowding the baking sheet, which can result in uneven baking.

How to Serve

Lemon Meltaways are perfect as an afternoon treat with tea or coffee. They can also be served at holiday parties, weddings, or family gatherings. For an extra special touch, arrange them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will remain soft and flavorful, making them perfect for enjoying over several days.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

Lemon Meltaways do not require reheating as they are best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the salt content. However, if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.

2. Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

Lemon juice can be used, but lemon extract provides a stronger and more concentrated lemon flavor, which is ideal for these cookies.

3. Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much and losing their meltaway texture.

4. How can I make the cookies more lemony?

To increase the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or lemon extract, but be careful not to overpower the other flavors in the dough.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

6. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after rolling it into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I use a mixer to make the dough?

Yes, a hand mixer or stand mixer will work great for creaming the butter and sugar together. Just be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients.

8. What can I substitute for cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of potato starch or arrowroot powder. Both will give the cookies a similar texture.

9. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is essential for the texture of these cookies. Regular sugar will not yield the same meltaway effect.

10. How can I decorate these cookies for the holidays?

You can add festive sprinkles or drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies for a special touch. They also look lovely in a decorative tin or gift box.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a refreshing and delicate treat that offers the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. With their easy preparation, bright flavor, and soft, buttery finish, Lemon Meltaways are the ideal cookie to share with friends and family or to enjoy with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon.

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