Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies that practically dissolve in your mouth, leaving behind a burst of citrus flavor. Their tender, shortbread-like texture and refreshing lemony taste make them a perfect treat for any occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings. These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed with or without a lemon glaze, depending on your preference.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into an 8-inch log.
Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Place the slices 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and garnish with lemon zest if desired.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Calories: 81 kcal
Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 17mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 136 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 3mg
Iron: 1mg

Why Choose Lemon Meltaways?

When it comes to desserts, sometimes less is more, and Lemon Meltaways are the epitome of this philosophy. These cookies don’t require an extensive list of ingredients or complex preparation, yet they pack an incredible amount of flavor and texture. The secret lies in the combination of quality butter, fresh lemon zest, and the tender structure provided by cornstarch. These cookies are light yet satisfyingly rich, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

Furthermore, Lemon Meltaways are incredibly versatile. They can be served at various occasions, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a tea party, or a simple dessert for a family meal. Their delightful appearance and delicate texture make them just as suitable for casual snacking as they are for elegant, more formal events.

The Role of Lemon in the Recipe

Lemon is the star of this recipe, and for good reason. Its bright, tart flavor not only adds a refreshing twist to the buttery cookies but also provides several health benefits. Rich in Vitamin C, lemons help boost the immune system and maintain healthy skin. This citrus fruit also contains antioxidants that can aid in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.

The zest of lemon is particularly important in this recipe because it imparts a concentrated lemon flavor without the added acidity of lemon juice. Lemon juice is still used in the glaze for an added tang, but the zest is what gives the cookies that unmistakable citrus aroma that makes them so refreshing.

The Importance of Butter in Lemon Meltaways

Butter plays a crucial role in the overall texture and flavor of Lemon Meltaways. It gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality, creating a tender, rich crumb that’s hard to resist. The creaminess of the butter also helps balance out the tartness of the lemon, making the cookies rich but not overly heavy. The use of unsalted butter is key in this recipe, as it allows the flavor of the lemon and sugar to shine through without the distraction of added salt.

High-quality butter also enhances the texture of the dough, ensuring that the cookies bake to perfection. When combined with cornstarch, the butter ensures that the cookies are soft and delicate, giving them the “meltaway” quality that makes them so special.

The Role of Cornstarch in the Dough

While flour is a staple ingredient in most cookie recipes, Lemon Meltaways rely on a combination of flour and cornstarch. Cornstarch is the ingredient responsible for giving these cookies their unique texture. When mixed with the flour, cornstarch creates a lighter, more delicate dough that bakes into a crumbly yet tender cookie. The cornstarch essentially “weakens” the gluten in the flour, which results in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is central to the appeal of Lemon Meltaways.

This addition of cornstarch is a game changer for these cookies, making them different from your typical shortbread. It also contributes to the slight crispness at the edges, providing a perfect contrast to the soft center of the cookie.

Lemon Meltaways and Their Versatility

One of the key benefits of Lemon Meltaways is their versatility. They can easily be customized based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. While the traditional recipe calls for lemon zest and juice, you could swap these out for other citrus fruits such as lime or orange to create variations that still offer a refreshing and fruity flavor.

For those looking to reduce sugar intake, it’s possible to cut back on the powdered sugar in both the cookie dough and the glaze without sacrificing too much flavor. You could even experiment with different glazes, such as a light vanilla glaze or a drizzle of dark chocolate, to change things up and appeal to different taste profiles.

In addition, the cookies themselves can be made with or without the glaze. The glaze adds a lovely glossy finish and a tangy sweetness to the cookies, but they are perfectly delicious without it as well. For those looking for a simpler treat, skipping the glaze results in a less sweet, more subtle flavor that still allows the lemon to shine.

Perfect Pairings for Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways are a fantastic stand-alone dessert, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For an elegant touch, they can be served alongside a cup of hot tea, particularly black or green tea. The citrusy flavor of the cookies complements the subtle bitterness of tea, creating a balanced pairing. For a more casual treat, Lemon Meltaways also pair well with iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of fresh fruit juice.

If you’re serving Lemon Meltaways at a gathering, they can be part of a larger spread of cookies and small desserts. They’re particularly delicious when paired with other fruity or citrus-based treats, such as lemon bars, berry tarts, or fruit sorbet. For a more indulgent dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh whipped cream.

Making Lemon Meltaways Ahead of Time

One of the best things about Lemon Meltaways is that they can be made in advance. The dough can be prepared, rolled into logs, and then refrigerated for several hours or even overnight. This makes the recipe ideal for prepping ahead of time, especially if you’re hosting an event or need to have treats ready for a busy day.

Once the cookies are baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container for several days, maintaining their fresh flavor and delicate texture. If you plan to serve them later, consider freezing the cookies for longer storage. The cookies freeze well, so you can always have a batch of homemade Lemon Meltaways ready to enjoy whenever you want.

Health Considerations and Modifications

While Lemon Meltaways are undoubtedly a delicious treat, they do contain butter and sugar, making them a more indulgent option for those watching their calorie intake. However, there are several ways to lighten the recipe without compromising too much on taste.

For a lower-fat version, you could substitute part of the butter with a healthier fat, such as coconut oil or avocado, which would still provide a rich texture but with a different flavor profile. Additionally, you could experiment with using a sugar substitute, such as stevia or monk fruit, for the glaze and the cookie dough.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a delightful, light dessert that delivers an irresistible combination of buttery richness and zesty citrus flavor. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the bright and refreshing taste of lemon, makes them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a special event, a casual gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress.

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