Soft, Buttery, and Irresistibly Light
If you love cookies that literally melt in your mouth, then these Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies will become your new obsession. They are buttery, tender, and infused with bright lemon flavor — the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver bakery-style results every single time.
Whether you’re baking for spring gatherings, holiday cookie trays, or simply treating yourself, these meltaways bring sunshine to every bite. Their delicate texture comes from a combination of powdered sugar and butter, creating that signature “meltaway” feel that dissolves the moment it hits your tongue.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Amazing):
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
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1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Meltaway Cookies
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy, light, and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies have that signature melt-in-your-mouth effect.
2. Add Lemon and Vanilla
Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The fresh zest is what gives these cookies their bright, aromatic citrus flavor.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes.
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances texture.
5. Form and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the dough into small balls and flatten gently onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
These cookies should remain pale and delicate.
6. Optional Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to form a smooth glaze.
Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra lemon flavor and a beautiful finish.