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Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are ideal for afternoon tea or special occasions.

Ingredients

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Butter Mixture

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (divided)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add Flavorings: Beat in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated into the butter mixture, ensuring a bright and fragrant dough.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
  5. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.
  6. Shape Cookies: Using a small scoop or spoon, shape the dough into small balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, allowing room for slight spreading.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are done.
  8. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Dust with Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them generously with the remaining sifted powdered sugar before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a lighter cookie texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For an extra lemony kick, add a tablespoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.

Keywords: lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, lemon meltaways, buttery cookies, lemon dessert, powdered sugar cookies

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/lemon-meltaways-recipe/