These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are the perfect balance of buttery richness and bright, tangy citrus flavor. With a soft, crumbly texture that practically melts in your mouth, these cookies are ideal for lemon lovers. The addition of a simple lemon glaze adds a sweet, tart finish that enhances the overall flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, sharing with friends, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these meltaway cookies will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
For the cookies:
For the glaze:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press each dough ball down with a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops.
Serve and enjoy!
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping into balls. This will make it easier to work with and help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Customize the Flavor: While lemon is the classic flavor in this recipe, don’t hesitate to experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or limes, or even add a few chocolate chips for a twist.
Make-Ahead: You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies for later enjoyment. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, while the cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.