If you’re craving a sweet and refreshing cookie with a citrusy zing, Easy Lemon Meltaways are the perfect treat to satisfy your craving! These delicate, buttery cookies practically melt in your mouth, and their bright, zesty lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a summer picnic, or just enjoying a cup of tea, these meltaways will add a touch of sunshine to your day.

What makes these cookies so special is their incredibly soft texture that truly melts away with each bite. The buttery cookie is infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds just the right amount of sweetness, making them the ultimate bite-sized indulgence.

I first made these Easy Lemon Meltaways when I was in the mood for something light and citrusy. The combination of buttery dough and fresh lemon was exactly what I needed. They’ve since become a staple in my cookie rotation, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Why These Easy Lemon Meltaways Will Be Your New Favorite Cookie

• Light and buttery: These cookies are perfectly buttery and soft, with a texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bright lemon flavor: The fresh lemon zest and juice give these cookies a refreshing citrusy kick that pairs perfectly with the rich buttery dough.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for when you need a delicious treat in a hurry.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a tea time, or just need a light snack, these meltaways are a great option.
• Kid-friendly: Their sweet, lemony flavor makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.

What You Need For Easy Lemon Meltaways

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Easy Lemon Meltaways

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Make the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients:
   Gradually add the cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough will be soft and a little crumbly, which is perfect for meltaways.
4. Shape the cookies:
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently press down each ball to form a small, flat cookie.
5. Bake the cookies:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers should remain soft.
6. Cool and dust with powdered sugar:
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with the remaining powdered sugar to give them a sweet finish.
7. Serve and enjoy:
   Your Easy Lemon Meltaways are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a cup of tea or as a delightful dessert to brighten up any occasion.

Tips For Easy Lemon Meltaways

• Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best flavor, so be sure to use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice.
• Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center to maintain their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Keep an eye on them while baking!

Substitutions and Variations

• Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Add a glaze: For an extra touch, you can drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies instead of dusting them with powdered sugar. Just mix powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
• Try lime or orange: If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can substitute lime or orange zest and juice for the lemon for a fun twist.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use coconut oil: Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version of these cookies, though the texture may be slightly different.
• Reduce the sugar: To make these cookies lighter, reduce the powdered sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
• Use whole wheat flour: For a healthier twist, you can replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Closing For Easy Lemon Meltaways

And there you have it! Easy Lemon Meltaways are the perfect combination of buttery, zesty, and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. These cookies are light, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy snack at home, these meltaways will become a go-to favorite. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and be sure to check out more of our easy, delicious cookie recipes for even more sweet inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Lemon Meltaways

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if needed. However, the taste might not be as vibrant.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to use a blend that works well for baking.

Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.

Can I add something extra to the dough?
Yes! You can add a handful of white chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough for added texture and flavor.

How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, though it may change the texture slightly. Be sure to use a high-quality margarine for the best results.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll and shape the cookies.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) as a replacement for the egg to make these cookies vegan.

Easy Lemon Meltaways

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cookies Recipe, Dessert, Snacks

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dough)

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

• Preheat the oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
• Make the dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
• Add the dry ingredients:
• Gradually add the cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough will be soft and a little crumbly, which is perfect for meltaways.
• Shape the cookies:
• Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently press down each ball to form a small, flat cookie.
• Bake the cookies:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers should remain soft.
• Cool and dust with powdered sugar:
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with the remaining powdered sugar to give them a sweet finish.
• Serve and enjoy:
• Your Easy Lemon Meltaways are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a cup of tea or as a delightful dessert to brighten up any occasion.