Description
Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a bright citrus flavor combined with a tender texture. Simple to make with common baking ingredients, these cookies are perfect for last-minute snacks, gifts, or a refreshing dessert that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by beating the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for that delicate, melt-away texture.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Gently fold in freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice to infuse your dough with fresh citrusy aroma and taste. Be careful not to overmix, or the dough might get too soft.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually blend into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. This helps avoid overworking the dough, maintaining tenderness in your cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to shape and ensuring the cookies keep their form during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Form small balls or logs, place them on baking sheets lined with parchment, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Let them cool slightly before handling.
- Final Dusting (Optional): For an extra touch of elegance, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar once completely cooled. This adds sweetness and enhances presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to achieve the best bright citrus flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and delicate.
- Chill dough properly to maintain cookie shape and improve texture.
- Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
- Check oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure even baking and prevent over-browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: zesty lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, lemon meltaway, melt-in-your-mouth lemon cookies, citrus cookies, lemon cookie recipe, gluten-free lemon cookies, vegan lemon cookies