Lemon Meltaways

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways are one of those cookies that instantly become a family favorite. When I first made them, I wasn’t sure they would live up to the hype, but they certainly did. The delicate balance of lemon zest and fresh juice creates a flavor that’s both tangy and refreshing, while the buttery texture literally melts in your mouth. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I had found a recipe to add to my permanent collection. My family couldn’t stop raving about them, and they quickly disappeared from the plate. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a simple afternoon snack or a special addition to a holiday cookie platter. These cookies are light, flavorful, and wonderfully simple to make. If you’re a fan of lemon-flavored desserts, you’re going to love this one!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will typically take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
2. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should come together smoothly and be a bit soft but not sticky.

Shape the Cookies:

1. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
2. Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or use your fingers to press down on the dough.
3. If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to firm it up before shaping.

Bake:

1. Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden.
2. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies sit for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. If desired, add the lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
2. The glaze should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency.

Glaze the Cookies:

Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

These lemon meltaway cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
• Serve them as part of a holiday cookie platter alongside other treats like gingerbread or shortbread.
• They make an excellent gift when packaged in a cute tin or box.
• Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for both the zest and juice. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same vibrant flavor.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape the cookies.
3. Don’t Overbake: Since these cookies are delicate, be careful not to overbake them. They should be just starting to turn golden around the edges.
4. Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice to get the right consistency.
5. Double the Recipe: If you’re planning for a larger crowd or want extra cookies, double the recipe. They store well and are always a hit.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon and Lavender: Add a pinch of dried lavender buds to the dough for a fragrant floral twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
• Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for a fun texture and extra flavor.
• Lemon Blueberry: For a fruity twist, fold in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries into the dough before shaping and baking the cookies.
• Vegan Lemon Meltaways: Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute and use powdered sugar made from cane sugar for a vegan version of these meltaways.
• Lemon and Ginger: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough for a spicy kick that complements the lemon flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these lemon meltaway cookies alongside a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a light and flavorful treat.
• Pair them with a rich dessert like cheesecake or lemon bars to enhance the lemon theme.
• Make a charming gift by stacking the cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon.
• For an elegant touch, serve the cookies on a tiered dessert stand at a tea party or brunch.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing the Dough: If you’d like to make the dough ahead of time, roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze well after baking. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
   Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to use it.
3. Can I add food coloring to the glaze?
   Absolutely! If you want to add a pop of color, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out just fine.
5. How can I make these cookies more lemony?
   You can add more lemon zest or a little extra lemon juice to both the dough and the glaze for a stronger lemon flavor.
6. Can I add nuts to the dough?
   Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor.
7. Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract?
   Lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute lemon extract.
8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   Chill the dough before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
9. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
   You can substitute the cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
10. Can I use frozen lemon juice?
    Fresh lemon juice is ideal, but frozen lemon juice will work as well if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a delightful and simple treat that captures the refreshing flavor of lemon in every bite. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect balance of sweet and tart, these cookies are ideal for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party, gift them to a friend, or enjoy them with a cup of tea, they’re sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make these cookies in no time, and they’ll become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, bake a batch, and let the lemony goodness brighten your day!