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Lemon Meltaway Cookies

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with bright, zesty lemon flavor. They literally melt in your mouth thanks to their delicate, shortbread-like texture. Finished with a light lemon glaze, they’re the perfect refreshing treat for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you crave something sweet and citrusy!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 12 tsp milk (if needed, to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough:
    In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
    Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
  3. Shape the Cookies:
    Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls.
    Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
    Gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
  4. Bake:
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
    Add a little milk if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
  6. Glaze the Cookies:
    Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops.
    Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Extra Lemon Zing: Add a drop of lemon extract to the dough for an even bolder lemon flavor.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing Tip: These cookies freeze well—just glaze them after thawing for best results.