Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery, and packed with bright citrus flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with a soft shortbread-like dough infused with fresh lemon zest and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet, they’re ideal for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying a lemony craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth
• Bright, fresh lemon flavor in every bite
• Simple ingredients and easy-to-make dough
• No eggs required—great for those with egg allergies
• Perfect for holidays, showers, or afternoon coffee
• Elegant enough for gifting, easy enough for a weeknight treat
• Stores beautifully and can be made ahead
• Customizable with glazes or citrus swaps

ingredients

this Recipe

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

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
7. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Once slightly cooled but still warm, sift powdered sugar over the top of the cookies for a classic meltaway finish.
10. Let cool completely before storing or serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 11–13 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Lime or Orange Meltaways: Substitute lemon with lime or orange zest and juice.
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar for added tang.
• Herb-Infused: Add a touch of finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the dough for a unique twist.
• Lemon Poppyseed: Mix in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Extra Zest: Add more lemon zest for an even bolder citrus punch.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in a low oven for a softer texture if desired.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough slightly if needed before baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated up to 48 hours in advance.

Are these cookies supposed to be soft or crispy?

They should be soft and delicate with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—not crispy.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

Do I need to sift the powdered sugar for dusting?

Sifting ensures a light, even coating and avoids clumps—highly recommended.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! It doubles well and is perfect for larger gatherings or gifting.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

They stay fresh for about 4–5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I turn these into sandwich cookies?

Yes! Add a thin layer of lemon curd or lemon buttercream between two cookies.

Are these cookies good for shipping?

Yes, they’re sturdy enough when packed properly and make great gifts.

Conclusion

Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a delightful balance of buttery richness and bright citrus flavor, making them a standout treat for any occasion. Their delicate texture and refreshing taste make them perfect for spring and summer, though they’re welcome any time of year. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, packing them into gift tins, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring sunshine to your day.

Print