Lemon Meltaways are delightful, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with a refreshing lemon flavor. They are perfect for a light dessert or a sweet treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Timing

Making Lemon Meltaways takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Flavorings: Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten Slightly: Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still pale.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Dust with Sugar

1. Coat Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with the remaining powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Meltaways (per cookie, based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	100
Protein	1g
Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	0g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Flavor: For an extra lemony kick, add more lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
• Glaze Option: Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, you can make a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzling it over the cooled cookies.
• Herb Infusion: Try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Lemon Meltaways are a simple yet elegant treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your dessert table. These cookies are sure to impress and are perfect for any occasion!

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still pale in the center. They will firm up as they cool.