Buttery, bright, and impossibly tender, the Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe captures everything you love about citrus desserts in a delicate, bite-sized treat. These cookies are so soft they truly melt in your mouth, thanks to a blend of creamy butter, fresh lemon juice, and a cloud-like glaze bursting with zest. Whether you’re baking for a brunch or treating yourself with a sunny pick-me-up, this is the recipe to bring a splash of happiness to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe is that you only need a handful of simple pantry staples—each one playing a starring role in taste, texture, and that gorgeous golden crumb. Here’s how each ingredient helps make these cookies irresistible:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The base of melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor—don’t rush the softening step!
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup for dough, 1 cup for glaze): This creates a smooth cookie crumb and a silky glaze, infusing sweetness without any grittiness.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons for dough, 1–2 tablespoons for glaze): Brings a lively tartness that truly shines; always use freshly squeezed for best results.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon for dough, 1 teaspoon for glaze): Amplifies the aroma and deepens lemony freshness in every bite.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides structure but still keeps things delicate—don’t overmix for extra tenderness!
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): The secret to that “meltaway” feel, giving cookies an ultra-tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes the citrus pop.
How to Make Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot by the time the dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake with perfectly golden edges.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and noticeably paler in color. This step is essential for a fluffy texture, so don’t skimp on creaming time!
Step 3: Infuse with Lemon Flavor
Add the fresh lemon juice and zest right into the creamed mixture. This turns your kitchen into a citrus lover’s paradise, and the flavor gets evenly distributed throughout every cookie.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch is your ticket to those dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, using a spatula or low mixer speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie and gently roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet roughly 2 inches apart. Give each a gentle press with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten for even baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges just start to turn golden (resist the temptation to overbake!). Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
For the final flourish, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this zingy glaze over the cooled cookies, and let it set for a picture-perfect finish. You won’t believe how that little extra burst of lemon takes your Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe over the top!
How to Serve Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, sprinkle a bit of extra lemon zest or finely chopped candied lemon peel over the just-glazed cookies. A dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and highlights the cookies’ delicate texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these bright cookies with a pot of Earl Grey tea, iced hibiscus lemonade, or even a scoop of raspberry sorbet for a truly refreshing dessert plate. They’re sunshine on your table, especially alongside creamy ricotta or citrusy panna cotta if you’re feeling fancy.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe on a tiered platter for an afternoon tea, tuck a few into decorative bags for a homemade gift, or stack them with layers of parchment in a jar for a grab-and-go treat. These cookies are also gorgeous as part of a spring dessert board with berries and chocolate-dipped fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the glaze has set, transfer the cookies to an airtight container. They’ll stay delightfully soft and fresh for up to a week at room temperature—perfect for sweet snacking whenever lemon cravings strike.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe! Place cooled, unglazed cookies in layers with parchment between, seal in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp, then glaze for ultimate freshness.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked taste, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 8 seconds. This brings back a hint of warmth and that “just out of the oven” aroma—almost as irresistible as when they were first baked!
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended in this Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe for the brightest, truest flavor, but in a pinch, bottled can work—just know you might lose some citrusy sparkle.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in a reliable cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten-free. The result is still light, tender, and deliciously lemony.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread more than you’d like, it could be from super-softened butter or overmixing the dough. Try chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking or reducing oven temperature slightly for better shape control.
Can I add extra lemon flavor?
Go for it! Add a drop or two of pure lemon extract or increase the zest for a bigger punch. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, or the dough could become too soft.
Should I glaze the cookies while warm or cooled?
Let the cookies cool completely before glazing. This keeps the glaze beautifully glossy and prevents it from soaking into the cookies—and makes for a pretty, crisp finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s sunshine in cookie form, give this Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe a try! These cookies have a special way of winning hearts one bite at a time, and I can’t wait for you to taste just how magical a burst of lemon can be. Happy baking!
Print
Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Meltaway Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat with a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. The soft, buttery cookies are topped with a tangy lemon glaze, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the lemon juice and zest, and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Notes
- These cookies freeze well and can be made ahead.
- For extra lemon flavor, use lemon extract or add more zest to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
