Description
Delightful Lemon Meltaways dance on taste buds with buttery, zesty charm, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Crumbly, delicate cookies deliver sunshine in each bite, beckoning you to savor their refreshing elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure smooth cookie release.
- Create a creamy base by whipping softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and thoroughly blended, using an electric mixer for optimal texture.
- Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until the ingredients are completely integrated.
- Develop the cookie foundation by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a delicate pinch of salt in a separate bowl, then gradually introduce these dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Craft uniform cookies by portioning the dough into small, tablespoon-sized spheres, gently positioning them on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing to allow for slight spreading.
- Carefully monitor the baking process, removing the cookies from the oven when the edges display a subtle golden hint, typically after 10-12 minutes, preserving their delicate texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling, then elegantly dust with a light layer of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Present the lemon meltaways as a delightful accompaniment to beverages or as a standalone sweet indulgence, perfect for sharing and savoring.
Notes
- Soften butter at room temperature for 30 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
- Use fresh, high-quality lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor and avoid using pre-packaged dried zest.
- Keep cookie dough chilled for 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape during baking.
- Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste or texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg