Description
These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. Soft and tender with a subtle tang from the lemon glaze, they melt in your mouth and make the perfect sweet and citrusy snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Lemon Icing
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg thoroughly to combine. Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest for citrus flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add ½ cup of the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Continue adding the remaining flour in ½ cup increments, mixing after each addition until the dough is fully incorporated.
- Shape Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten with your palm. Arrange the shaped dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375˚F (190˚C) for 8-9 minutes or until the centers are just set. The cookies should remain pale in color and not brown. Let the cookies sit on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Lemon Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, salt, and heavy cream (or milk) until smooth and well blended to make a glossy lemon glaze.
- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip the tops into the lemon icing. Turn them upside down to coat the tops, lift out gently, flip them over, and place back on the cooling rack or parchment paper to allow the glaze to set and dry.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay pale and tender.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with milk to lighten the glaze if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, lemon glaze cookies, buttery cookies, soft lemon cookies, easy lemon dessert
