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Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies


  • Author: Norah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightfully soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies bursting with bright lemon flavor and topped with a creamy lemon frosting—perfect for a refreshing treat any time of year!


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

  • ⅔ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest


Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough:
    In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon juice and lemon zest.

  • Combine Dry Ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.

  • Mix Dough:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

  • Chill:
    Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

  • Preheat Oven:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  • Shape Cookies:
    Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.

  • Bake:
    Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

  • Prepare Frosting:
    Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Mix in lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth.

 

  • Frost Cookies:
    Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Allow frosting to set before serving.

Notes

Using fresh lemon juice and zest gives the best bright citrus flavor.

Chill dough well to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, lemon frosting, citrus cookies, soft cookies