Description

Lemon Meltaway Cookies are soft, tender treats bursting with bright, fresh lemon zest and juice. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies combine a delicate sweetness with a refreshing citrus tang, perfect for any occasion—be it an afternoon tea, festive gathering, or a simple homemade gift. Made from simple pantry ingredients, they are easy to prepare and customizable with gluten-free options and various flavor twists.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour (or 2 cups gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from organic lemons)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies.
Add Lemon and Flavorings: Mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly combined, providing a fresh, tangy aroma and flavor.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Shape the Cookies: Use your hands or a spoon to form small balls of dough. Arrange them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to maximize bright, natural lemon flavor.
Don’t overmix the dough to maintain tender, soft cookies.
If dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to ease shaping and improve texture.
Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes to ensure even baking.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their delicate texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg