Lemon Meltaways

Introduction

Lemon Meltaways have quickly become a family favorite in my house. These delicate, buttery cookies with a fresh lemony zing are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Every time I make them, the kitchen is filled with the irresistible scent of citrus, and my family can’t wait to devour them. The texture of these cookies is heavenly, light, and crumbly, just as the name suggests — they practically melt in your mouth. Whether served at a holiday gathering or simply enjoyed with an afternoon cup of tea, these cookies are always a hit. I’ve received numerous compliments and requests for the recipe, so I decided to share it with all of you.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
4. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers. If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
6. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
8. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Afternoon Tea: Pair with a hot cup of tea for a light and refreshing treat.
• Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for any festive occasion like Christmas, Easter, or a summer garden party.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a simple snack with a cold drink or a glass of milk.
• Gifts: Package them in a pretty box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Brunch: Serve these meltaways alongside other brunch favorites like scones or fruit salad.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for zest and juice.
2. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft, refrigerate it before shaping the cookies to make handling easier.
3. Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft and delicate, so keep an eye on them while baking to avoid over-baking.
4. Make the Glaze Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in an airtight container.
5. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add extra powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

• Add Poppy Seeds: For a little texture and a unique twist, sprinkle poppy seeds into the dough.
• Blueberry Lemon Meltaways: Add a few fresh or dried blueberries to the dough for a fruity addition.
• Coconut Lemon Meltaways: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
• Ginger Lemon Meltaways: For a spiced version, add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough.
• Lemon Lavender: Infuse the cookies with a hint of lavender for a floral touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing treat.
• Pair with a light, citrus-flavored sorbet for a delightful dessert after a meal.
• For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles to the glaze.
• Serve with a fruit platter, particularly one with berries or citrus fruits, to complement the lemon flavor.
• These cookies also pair well with white wine or light champagne at elegant gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze wonderfully. After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
3. How can I make the glaze thicker?
   If the glaze is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar to reach your desired thickness.
4. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. Can I add more lemon juice to the dough?
   You can increase the lemon juice in the dough, but be cautious not to add too much as it can make the dough too soft to handle.
6. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
   Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the dough or glaze to make them less sweet.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, feel free to double the recipe to make more cookies. Just ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl.
8. What other glazes can I use?
   You can try a simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese glaze for a different flavor.
9. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
   This can happen if the dough is too soft. Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help control spreading.
10. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
    For the best flavor, fresh lemon juice is recommended, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a delightful, refreshing treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright lemon flavor, they make a perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of tea or serving them at a family gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. With the option to customize the recipe and the ease of preparation, Lemon Meltaways are as versatile as they are delicious. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy these tangy, buttery delights!

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