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Lemon Meltaways

Delicious Lemon Meltaways for a Sweet Citrus Escape

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies that dissolve in your mouth with a burst of lemony goodness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Provides richness and moisture. Substitute with salted butter, omitting the added salt.
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness and a smooth texture. Granulated sugar can be used, but will alter durability.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Creates a tender, melt-in-mouth texture. No direct substitute, but reduce flour if omitted.
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour The main structure of the cookie. Can be replaced with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum.
  • 1 lemon Lemon Zest Enhances flavor with fresh, aromatic notes. Ensure zest is finely grated for even distribution.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice Adds acidity and brightens flavor. Bottled lemon juice is an acceptable substitute in a pinch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Complements the lemon and provides depth. Optional if looking for a pure lemon flavor.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; can be omitted if using salted butter.
Optional Variations
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Lavender Buds For a floral twist!
  • Lime Swap lemon juice and zest for lime for a refreshing tropical flair.
  • Lemon Glaze Drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for added sweetness and citrus punch.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • Parchment Paper
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Gradually sift in 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just golden. The centers should remain soft.
  6. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust generously with powdered sugar after cooling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Chill the dough to help hold shape.

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