Name: Lemon Meltaways
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Extra powdered sugar for coating

Why You’ll Love Lemon Meltaways Recipe

These cookies are a dream for lemon lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Their light, crumbly texture and tangy-sweet flavor make them incredibly addictive. They’re easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and require no fancy equipment or techniques. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these Lemon Meltaways are sure to brighten anyone’s day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter, softened
powdered sugar
fresh lemon zest
fresh lemon juice
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
salt
extra powdered sugar for coating

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat completely. For an extra-sweet touch, roll them a second time.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 30 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 34 minutes
Calories: Approximately 90 kcal per cookie

Variations

Orange Meltaways: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange for a sweeter, more mellow citrus flavor.
Lemon-Lavender: Add 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough for a floral twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Extra Zing: Add a bit more lemon zest if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor.
Lemon Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. No reheating is necessary, but you can roll them in a fresh dusting of powdered sugar after thawing if desired.

FAQs

How do I prevent Lemon Meltaways from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if your kitchen is warm.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. Just avoid any with added preservatives.

Why are my cookies too crumbly?

Overmeasuring flour or overbaking can lead to overly crumbly cookies. Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, the dough can be frozen in balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?

Sifting helps achieve a finer coating and prevents clumps, especially if rolling the cookies twice.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a quality plant-based alternative, though the texture may vary slightly.

How do I make them less sweet?

Use less powdered sugar for coating, or skip the second roll for a lighter sweetness.

Can I add lemon extract for stronger flavor?

Yes, a drop or two of lemon extract can intensify the citrus flavor. Use sparingly to avoid bitterness.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the yellow skin.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles well—just make sure to bake in batches or use multiple baking sheets.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a delightful blend of zesty citrus and buttery sweetness in a soft, tender cookie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter or a simple afternoon treat, these cookies deliver elegance and flavor with every bite. Their simplicity, versatility, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a must-have recipe for any cookie lover’s collection.

Lemon Meltaways