Lemon Meltaway Cookies

These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are buttery, soft, and packed with bright citrus flavor. They literally melt in your mouth! Perfect for springtime gatherings, teatime treats, or simply when you’re craving something light and sweet with a tangy twist.

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Yield

24 cookies

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Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

Make the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add Lemon Flavor: 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 just until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
6. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set (cookies will remain pale in color). Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and pourable.
2. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemon juice for a thinner glaze.

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Glaze the Cookies

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon or drizzle the glaze over the tops of the cookies and sprinkle on a little lemon zest.
2. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

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Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cookies and glaze them fresh before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the cookies their bright, tangy flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and tender, so bake just until the edges are set.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before shaping.

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These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are light, buttery, and perfectly tangy. The zesty lemon glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the citrusy burst in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy treat, they’re guaranteed to brighten your day!