Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. Perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or anytime you’re craving a citrusy treat, these cookies practically melt in your mouth. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they’re a delightful addition to any dessert table!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes ).
2. Mix in the vanilla extract , lemon zest , and lemon juice until well combined and fragrant.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour , cornstarch , and salt .
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour . Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still be pale in the center but will firm up as they cool.
5. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar , lemon juice , and lemon zest until smooth and pourable. Add more lemon juice, ½ teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Cookies

1. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set for about 15–20 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Lemon is Key: Use freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same brightness.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days . Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze the baked (unglazed) cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
• Customize: Add a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed cookies for a decorative touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a refreshing twist on classic meltaway cookies, combining buttery softness with zesty citrus flavor. The lemon glaze adds an extra burst of tangy sweetness, making these cookies irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a bright, cheerful treat, these cookies are sure to delight. Dive into this buttery, lemony goodness and enjoy every bite!