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The Ultimate Guide to Lemon Meltaways: A Zesty, Buttery Delight

Lemon Meltaways

These Lemon Meltaways bring back sweet memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where sunshine poured through the windows and the air always smelled like citrus. She made these every spring, saying, “They’re little drops of joy.” Light, buttery, and full of lemony zing, they truly melt in your mouth. They’re perfect with a cup of tea, a quiet moment, or to brighten someone’s day. Give them a try—you’ll be smiling with the first bite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

  • Add lemon zest, juice, and vanilla. Mix well.

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.

  • Roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are just barely golden.

  • Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons – Fresh zest and juice make a huge difference. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same bright flavor.

  • Chill the dough – Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • Slice evenly – Try using a ruler or piece of thread as a guide when slicing for even baking.

  • Don’t overbake – They should be pale with just a hint of golden on the bottom. Overbaking makes them too crisp.

  • Dust when cool – Let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar, or the sugar will melt and disappear.

  • Store with care – Keep in an airtight tin or jar at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month!

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