Lemon Meltaway Cookies
Lemon Meltaway Cookies feature a delicate balance of zesty citrus and tender buttery richness, delivering a light lemon flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These easy-to-bake cookies are soft, crumbly, and perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a cup of tea, making them an irresistible fresh treat.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture: Beat softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, creating the perfect base for tender meltaway cookies.
- Add Fresh Flavors: Mix in freshly grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the dough with bright and aromatic citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently stirring to maintain a soft dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and gently press down to flatten slightly. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Optional Dusting: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with extra powdered sugar for a finishing touch if desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth beating and a light, airy dough texture.
- Don’t overmix; fold the flour in gently to keep cookies tender, not tough.
- Fresh lemon zest is essential for vibrant flavor and aroma; dried zest doesn’t provide the same quality.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading so cookies bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Remove cookies from the oven when edges just start to turn golden to avoid drying them out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, citrus cookies, easy cookies, buttery cookies, soft cookies, lemon dessert