Why Make This Recipe

Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright flavor of lemon with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, taking them to a potluck, or simply indulging in a sweet snack at home. Their fresh lemon flavor makes them stand out, and they are surprisingly easy to make.

How to Make Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, and mix until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let them cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own or can be paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. If you want to impress your guests, package them in a decorative box or jar as a simple gift.

How to Store Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
For a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest or add a bit more lemon juice.
If you like, you can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the powdered sugar when dusting.

Variation

You can try adding poppy seeds to the cookie dough for extra texture and a beautiful look. Alternatively, swapping the lemon for orange zest and juice gives a nice twist to the flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you do, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

2. Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice?

Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for lemon juice. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of extract for the flavor.

3. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling them into balls can help prevent spreading during baking.