Lemon Meltaways: Soft, Buttery Cookies That Truly Melt in Your Mouth
These Lemon Meltaways are soft, buttery cookies with a bright burst of fresh lemon flavor. They truly melt in your mouth, thanks to the tender crumb and generous dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for spring and summer baking, afternoon tea, or whenever you want a light, citrusy treat.
Ingredients
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
-
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (divided)
-
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
-
Zest of 2 lemons
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. -
Add Lemon Flavor
Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. -
Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix. -
Shape Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. -
Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden. -
Cool and Dust
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust generously with the remaining powdered sugar.
Notes
-
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
-
Do not overbake—these cookies should stay pale and tender.
-
Cool completely before dusting so the sugar stays fluffy, not melted.
-
For extra lemon flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the powdered sugar.