Name: Lemon Meltaways Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick (4 ounces; 113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons powdered sugar; Zest of 2 lemons; 4 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a bright and refreshing twist, look no further than this Lemon Meltaways Recipe. These delicate cookies combine the richness of buttery dough with the zing of fresh lemon zest and juice, making them perfect for afternoon tea or sharing with friends. The light texture and powdered sugar coating create a delightful contrast of flavors and sensations that will have you reaching for seconds. Once you try this Lemon Meltaways Recipe, it might just become your new favorite sweet treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of many round cookies covered thickly with white powdered sugar, each cookie having a soft beige color visible under the sugar dust. The cookies are laid out on a white marbled surface with some scattered powdered sugar around them, giving a light, powdery texture. Among the cookies, there are two thin lemon slices with bright yellow skin and pale yellow flesh, showing their segments clearly. The cookies form a somewhat irregular pattern, fitting closely together, with soft lighting that highlights their fluffy texture and the rough powdered sugar layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Lemon Meltaways Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture—ensuring your cookies turn out irresistibly soft, subtly sweet, and packed with citrus brightness.

Unsalted butter (1 stick; 4 ounces; 113 grams): Softened butter gives the cookies their rich, creamy base and tender crumb.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons, plus 1/2 cup for rolling): This fine sugar sweetens gently without gritty texture and adds a snowy finish.
Fresh lemon zest (zest of 2 lemons): The zest provides an intense, aromatic lemon flavor essential for that sunny citrus punch.
Lemon juice (4 teaspoons): Adds brightness and a subtle tang that keeps these cookies light and lively.
Vanilla (2 teaspoons): Enhances the lemon notes and rounds out the cookie’s flavor profile.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The main structure builder giving the cookie its tender texture.
Cornstarch (4 teaspoons): Works magic by making the cookies extra soft and giving them that delightful meltaway quality.
Fine sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances sweetness and elevates all flavors.

How to Make Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once well creamed, add the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla, then beat again until everything is perfectly combined and fragrant with citrus aroma.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, cornstarch, and fine sea salt over the wet mixture. Carefully beat these dry ingredients in on a low speed until just combined; overmixing will toughen the dough. You’ll notice the dough becomes a bit crumbly here, which is exactly what you want for those delicate cookies.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts and place each onto parchment or wax paper. Shape each half into a uniform log approximately 12 inches long. Roll up the dough logs in the paper tightly, twist the ends, and pop them into the refrigerator for one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making slicing easier and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

When the chill time is nearly up, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, you can prepare your baking sheets and get ready for the final steps.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange Cookies

Unwrap the dough logs and slice each into twelve even pieces. The uniform slices ensure each cookie bakes evenly. Place the rounds spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Bake Until Just Golden

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, keeping a close eye on the edges. These cookies don’t brown dramatically, so once the edges look just barely golden and dry, it’s time to remove them. This light bake keeps the cookies tender and prevents them from drying out.

Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes so they firm up just a bit. Meanwhile, pour the remaining powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each cookie gently in the sugar while still warm to create that signature meltaway coating. Let the cookies cool completely before serving to avoid melting the sugar coating.

How to Serve Lemon Meltaways Recipe

The image shows seven white dishes placed on a white marbled surface. There is one large white bowl filled with fine white flour at the top center. To the right is a small white plate holding a stick of pale yellow butter. Below the flour bowl is a small white bowl with a dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. To its bottom right is a slightly larger white bowl filled with white powdered sugar. Below the butter plate is a tiny white bowl with clear liquid, possibly lemon juice. Below the vanilla bowl, a small white dish contains vibrant yellow lemon zest. To the upper left of the lemon zest, a small white bowl holds a little white powder, likely baking powder. The dishes are arranged neatly, showing a simple and clean ingredient setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although these cookies shine simply dusted with powdered sugar, a light twist of lemon zest or a tiny edible flower on the side can add a beautiful touch. You could also offer a small drizzle of homemade lemon glaze for an extra lemony pop if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Lemon Meltaways pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea—Earl Grey and chamomile are favorites—offering the perfect balance between sweet and fresh. They also complement a lightly sweetened lemonade or sparkling water with a slice of lemon, making them ideal for summer gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Lemon Meltaways on a pretty tiered tray or nestled in parchment paper-lined baskets for casual entertaining. Wrapping a few in parchment tied with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift. For a party, arrange them around a centerpiece of fresh lemons and herbs to emphasize their sunny citrus spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Stored this way, they retain their tender texture and fresh lemon flavor beautifully. Just be sure they’re completely cool before sealing to avoid any sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough logs, wrap tightly in parchment and foil before freezing for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a tray first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a sealed container or bag.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen baked cookies, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes) to refresh their soft texture and powdered sugar coating.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon?

While you can use lemon extract, fresh lemon zest and juice provide brighter, more natural citrus flavor that truly defines the Lemon Meltaways Recipe. If using extract, reduce the liquid slightly and add a teaspoon or less to taste.

Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch lightens the dough and gives these cookies their signature meltaway, tender texture. It helps prevent them from becoming too dense or chewy, which is key to that delicate bite.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for the edges to just barely turn golden and for the tops to appear dry to the touch. These cookies won’t brown noticeably, so it’s important to watch closely and not overbake.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend one-to-one, but results may vary. Adding a bit more cornstarch may help maintain the tender texture, and be sure to check for any added xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.

What’s the best way to slice the dough logs?

Use a sharp knife and gently slice the chilled dough into even pieces about 1/2 inch thick to ensure uniform baking. Wiping the knife clean between cuts can help avoid sticking and keep the slices neat.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Meltaways Recipe is truly one of those delightful discoveries that combines simplicity and elegance in a cookie. With just a handful of humble ingredients, you create something so tender, flavorful, and fresh that every bite feels like a little celebration of sunshine. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find it as heartwarming and addictive as I do.