Lemon Meltaways Light Zesty Treats (Printable Version)

Tender, buttery citrus cookies that melt in your mouth with zesty fresh lemon flavor—ideal for teatime or light dessert.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1/4 cup cornstarch

→ Coating

09 - 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
02 - Blend in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
03 - Add the salt, flour, and cornstarch, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
04 - Divide dough in half and roll each portion into 1-inch diameter logs. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Unwrap chilled dough and slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
07 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are barely golden.
08 - Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then gently toss in powdered sugar while still warm.
09 - Transfer to wire rack and cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They literally dissolve on your tongue like edible sunshine
  • The dough comes together in minutes but tastes like you fussed for hours
  • That buttery lemon combination works with every season and mood
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is mandatory because warm dough will spread into flat puddles instead of holding their shape
  • Work quickly when rolling the logs because the heat from your hands will soften the butter and make it stick
  • The cornstarch might seem unnecessary but it is what creates that tender, sandy texture instead of a crisp snap
03 -
  • Zest your lemons before cutting them, it is so much easier to grip and you get more fragrant oil release
  • Use a sharp knife and saw gently through the dough instead of pressing down to keep the rounds perfectly circular

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