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LEMON MELTAWAYS

Sana Umer
Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a refreshing lemon flavor and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holiday treats or afternoon tea, these cookies are easy to bake and delightfully tangy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from about 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies:

  • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.

Bake:

  • Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Cool for 10 minutes.

Dust with Sugar:

  • While cool, dust cookies generously with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
  • Customizing the Flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom for an exotic twist or substitute lime zest for lemon.
  • Serving Suggestions: Perfect alongside tea or coffee, or packed as a sweet gift during the holidays.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
  • Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Keyword buttery cookies, easy holiday cookies, easy lemon treats, lemon meltaways, lemon shortbread, melt-in-your-mouth cookies