Lemon Meltaways: A Zesty, Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

Lemon Meltaways are the perfect combination of light, buttery, and tangy flavors. These cookies are not only delicious but incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing lemon flavor make them a go-to treat for spring, summer, or any time you want a burst of citrus in your dessert. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed with a cup of tea, Lemon Meltaways are sure to impress.

If you’re a fan of citrus desserts, you may also enjoy other lemon-based recipes like Lemon Shortbread Cookies or a tangy Lemon Pound Cake.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Lemon Meltaways are delightfully simple to prepare, and the recipe uses ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of butter, confectioners’ sugar, and lemon juice provides the perfect base for these soft, buttery cookies.

Lemon Meltaways: Soft and Sweet with Zesty Lemon Flavor

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Lemon Meltaways are light, buttery cookies that practically dissolve in your mouth, offering a burst of refreshing lemon flavor. These delicate cookies are topped with a tangy lemon frosting that perfectly complements their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re a fan of citrus desserts, these lemon meltaways are sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

3/4 cup butter (softened)
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1–1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch

For the Frosting:

1/4 cup butter (softened)
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 to 3 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon juice until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. Use the back of a fork or your fingers to gently flatten each ball of dough.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies should be soft and delicate.
Cool the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Add the grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and food coloring (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin or a bit of milk if it’s too thick.
Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a small amount of frosting on top of each cookie.
Serve:
Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving. These cookies are perfect for tea time, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a burst of lemony goodness!

Notes

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a little extra lemon zest to the frosting.

These cookies also freeze well. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a container or on a baking sheet, then freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the lemon juice and continue mixing until incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly but still hold together.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. The centers should remain soft and tender.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost the Cookies: While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and mix until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to give the frosting a cheerful lemon hue.
Frost and Serve: Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on each cookie. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Lemon Meltaways

While this Lemon Meltaways recipe is simple and straightforward, there are a few techniques that can make your cookies even more delightful.

Chill the Dough

For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and baking. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape better when baking, resulting in a slightly thicker cookie. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Use a Cookie Scoop

To ensure even-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and look uniform when done.

Zesty Lemon Enhancements

If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, try adding extra lemon zest into the dough. This will amplify the citrus aroma and give the cookies a more pronounced lemony taste.

Crisp vs. Soft Cookies

For a slightly firmer cookie, increase the baking time by an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. If you like them ultra-soft, be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Lemon Meltaways are great for making ahead, and they store wonderfully for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storage

Once the cookies have cooled completely and the frosting has set, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you live in a humid environment, it’s best to store them in the fridge to prevent the frosting from becoming too soft.

Freezing

Lemon Meltaways freeze beautifully, whether frosted or un-frosted. To freeze un-frosted cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Afterward, store the cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature, then add the frosting.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, you can briefly reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be cautious not to overheat them, as the frosting may melt.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Lemon Meltaways recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Option

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free as well.

Dairy-Free

To make the recipe dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil. For the frosting, you can also use a dairy-free butter substitute and powdered sugar.

Vegan

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter for a plant-based butter substitute and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes to thicken). You can also find vegan lemon extract and use it in the dough and frosting.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes! While the frosting adds a lovely touch of sweetness and extra lemon flavor, you can certainly enjoy these cookies without it. The cookies are still delicious on their own.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar by a tablespoon or two. You can also increase the amount of lemon juice to give it a more tangy flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it may be because the dough was too warm when placed on the baking sheet. Make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Lemon Meltaways are a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang, creating a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply enjoying them as a daily snack with tea, they’ll surely become a favorite. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and light texture make them a go-to recipe in any baker’s collection. Give these delightful cookies a try today!