Delicate and buttery shortbread cookies infused with fresh Lemon Meltaways zest and topped with a sweet, tangy lemon glaze that literally melts in your mouth.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Shape and Bake:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. For an extra lemony kick, add the lemon zest.
Glaze Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops or dip each cookie into the glaze.
Let the glaze set before serving.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Arrange Lemon Meltaways on a decorative plate or platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for an elegant touch.
Pairing: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. They also complement light desserts like fruit salads or yogurt parfaits.
Temperature: Serve the cookies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The glaze will be perfectly set and provide a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Storage Tips:
Container: Store Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container to keep them fresh. A tin or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well.
Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will remain soft and flavorful if kept in an airtight container.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freezing: To extend their shelf life, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Refreshing Glaze: If the glaze becomes too sticky after freezing, you can reapply a fresh layer once the cookies are thawed for that just-glazed taste.
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FAQs:
Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter?
While unsalted butter provides the best flavor and texture for Lemon Meltaways, you can use margarine as a substitute if necessary. Keep in mind that margarine may affect the taste and consistency slightly. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
Can I make Lemon Meltaways ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Lemon Meltaways ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week, or you can refrigerate or freeze them for longer storage.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
If you find the lemon glaze too sweet or too tart, you can adjust it to your taste. Add more powdered sugar to sweeten or more lemon juice to increase the tartness. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various flavors by adding ingredients such as poppy seeds, dried lavender, or even a touch of vanilla extract to the cookie dough. For a different twist, consider incorporating finely chopped nuts or white chocolate chips. Adjust the recipe as needed and enjoy your personalized Lemon Meltaways.
Conclusion:
These Lemon Meltaways are perfect for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat to brighten up your day. The combination of tender shortbread and zesty lemon makes these cookies irresistibly delightful. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Meltaways
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery shortbread cookies bursting with fresh lemon zest and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and citrusy zing. Easy to make and even easier to love, they are a must-try for lemon lovers!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten slightly with your palm.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cooling, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add lemon zest if desired.
- Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cookies or dip each cookie into the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
Adjust the glaze sweetness to your taste by varying the amount of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
For extra flavor, consider adding more lemon zest to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 100 kcal
