Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

👩‍🍳 Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

Step 3: Add Zest and Extracts

Mix in the lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. This step infuses the dough with aromatic citrus and floral notes, giving each cookie a beautifully fragrant base.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing — just blend until combined.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a fork for even baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should remain pale and soft — you want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Whisk until smooth and slightly thick, perfect for drizzling.

Step 8: Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spoon the glaze over each one. Let them rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the glaze to set.

🌞 Tips for Perfect Meltaways

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor — bottled juice can’t compare.
  • Don’t overbake! These cookies should stay soft and pale; golden edges are all you need.
  • For extra zing, add a tiny pinch of lemon zest to the glaze before drizzling.
  • Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for longer freshness.

🍋 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat.
  • Stack a few cookies and wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
  • Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo.

💛 Final Thoughts

These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are sunshine in cookie form — bright, delicate, and irresistibly buttery. They capture that perfect blend of sweetness and citrus tang that makes lemon desserts timeless.

Whether you’re baking them for a brunch table, a tea party, or just to lift your spirits on a cloudy day, one bite will remind you that sometimes the simplest cookies are the most extraordinary.