If you’re a fan of delicate, buttery cookies with a burst of fresh lemon flavor, then these Lemon Meltaways are the perfect treat for you. These cookies are incredibly easy to make and are topped with a sweet, tangy lemon glaze that truly melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or a delightful homemade gift, these Lemon Meltaways will not disappoint.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Lemon Meltaways, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
For the Lemon Glaze
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup
- Fresh lemon juice: 2-3 tablespoons
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Meltaways:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating the tender texture of the cookies.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Mix in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, ensuring the lemon flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The cornstarch helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to create a uniform shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft and delicate.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up slightly while retaining their tender texture.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the glaze.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops or dip each cookie into the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving or storing the cookies.
Essential Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 100 kcal per cookie
- Servings: 24 cookies
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Meltaways
- Enhance the Lemon Flavor: For those who love a strong lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to both the cookie dough and the glaze.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Ensure that the cookies are fully cooled before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures it sets properly on the cookies.
Conclusion
Lemon Meltaways are the perfect combination of sweetness and tang, making them an irresistible treat for any lemon lover. With their delicate, buttery texture and refreshing lemon glaze, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are a delightful way to bring a bit of sunshine into your day.