Go Back
Lemon Meltaway Cookies
Maya

Lemon Meltaway Cookies

These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are soft, buttery, and infused with bright lemon flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth and is finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate, citrus-sweet treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for coating)

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • large bowl
  • medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, add softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar. Beat with a mixer until light, fluffy, and pale yellow.
  2. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide dough in half, roll each into a 1.5-inch log, wrap tightly, and refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain pale.
  9. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes.
  10. Toss warm cookies in 1 cup powdered sugar (with optional zest) until coated. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, toss cookies again in powdered sugar for a thicker coating if desired.

Notes

For extra lemon punch, add more zest or a few drops of lemon extract. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.