Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways

4 servings
Meet your new favorite slice-and-bake cookie recipe: lemon meltaways! These glazed citrus treats are a light, tangy dessert you can bake all year long.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
    1 ¾ c.
  • cornstarch
    2 tbsp.
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp.
  • powdered sugar
    ⅓ c.
  • lemon zest
    2 tbsp.
  • salted butter

    at room temperature

    ¾ c.
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp.
  • powdered sugar
    1 ¾ c.
  • lemon zest

    plus 2 to 3 tbsp. lemon juice

    1 tbsp.

Directions

  1. 1

    For the cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt; set aside.

  2. 2

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the powdered sugar and lemon zest. Mix on low speed for 1 minute. The sugar will start to clump as the lemon zest releases its oil. Add the butter and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula and beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined, about 1 minute. Give a final stir with the spatula to make sure there are no visible traces of flour.

  3. 3

    Transfer the dough to a large piece of plastic wrap and roll into a log approximately 1 1/4 inch in diameter. Wrap the log in the plastic, twisting the ends closed. Refrigerate until cold and firm, at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.

  4. 4

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  5. 5

    Unwrap the log and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart (they can be closer together since they do not spread while baking).

  6. 6

    Bake the cookies, rotating the pans halfway through, until they are set and barely golden on the bottom, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.

  7. 7

    For the glaze: Meanwhile, place the sugar in a small bowl and whisk in the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adding more lemon juice a little at a time as necessary until the glaze reaches a spreadable consistency. Spoon a small amount of glaze onto each cookie, using the back of the spoon to spread evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before serving, about 1 hour.

Lemon Meltaways

Lemon Meltaways

3.0(4)105 min4 servings64 cal

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Based on 4 ratings

thepioneerwoman.com
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About this Recipe

Craving a light, refreshing cookie that brightens any occasion? These delightful Lemon Meltaways are your new go-to slice-and-bake sensation, offering vibrant citrus flavor year-round.

What makes these lemon meltaways truly special is their delicate, tender texture that lives up to the name, perfectly balanced by the tangy lemon glaze. This easy slice-and-bake method takes the fuss out of baking, allowing you to have a batch of these cheerful cookies ready for any celebration.

Prepare for a burst of bright, tangy lemon flavor in every bite, beautifully complemented by a light, tender crumb. Each cookie is finished with a sweet, zesty glaze, creating a refreshing dessert that's never overly heavy. They're a fantastic choice for elegant gatherings or simply as a lovely treat, perfect for enjoying a moment of sunshine, no matter the season.

While perfect as they are, these Lemon Meltaways offer simple versatility. For an extra touch of aroma, consider a tiny pinch of dried lavender in the dough, complementing the lemon. Or, if you're out of fresh lemons, a quality lemon extract can provide the bright citrus notes for the glaze.

These charming Lemon Meltaways are ideal for celebrating life's sweet moments. They shine as a lovely addition to a Baby shower or Bridal shower dessert table, make thoughtful food gifts for friends, and are always welcome at Christmas, Easter, or Mother's Day gatherings. Their bright flavor makes them a perfect light dessert after any meal.

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