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Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways are tender, buttery cookies bursting with bright lemon flavor. Their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture and zesty citrus notes make them perfect for afternoon tea, parties, or a delightful sweet treat anytime. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these cookies balance refreshing lemon zest and juice with rich buttery softness, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by zesting your lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, then squeeze fresh lemon juice. Soften your unsalted butter at room temperature so it creams easily.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This mix is key to achieving the delicate texture of Lemon Meltaways.
  3. Add Lemon and Vanilla: Mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring the signature bright aroma and flavor to your cookies.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and salt together, then gradually fold them into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the dough tender and crumbly.
  5. Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are just set. Allow them to cool fully on a wire rack before handling to ensure they keep their meltaway texture.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature: Use room-temperature butter, not melted, to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
  • Fresh Lemon Zest: Always use fresh zest instead of pre-packaged lemon flavor to get that vibrant citrus punch.
  • Gentle Mixing: Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to keep cookies tender and crumbly.
  • Chill Dough: Chilling the dough helps cookies retain their shape and enhances the texture.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment ensures even cooking and prevents sticking without extra grease.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, citrus dessert, buttery cookies, easy baking, gluten-free lemon cookies