Zingy Citrus Squares: A Tangy Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Delicate cookies with a zesty lemon meltaways secret burst with citrusy charm that dances across your palate.

These simple treats promise a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Soft, buttery, and utterly irresistible, they melt effortlessly in your mouth.

The delicate powder sugar coating adds a gentle touch of elegance to each bite.

Crumbly yet smooth, these cookies deliver a refreshing citrus punch that surprises and delights.

A classic recipe that transforms ordinary afternoons into moments of pure culinary joy.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom with each delectable crumb.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 12

Bright Ingredients for Tangy Lemon Meltaways

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base that creates melt-in-your-mouth texture; select high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures delicate sweetness and smooth cookie consistency; fresh and finely ground works best.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers bright, vibrant citrus aroma and intensifies lemony punch; use fresh lemons with firm, unblemished skin.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances tangy flavor profile and adds subtle acidic notes; choose ripe, juicy lemons for maximum freshness.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor complexity and adds subtle warmth; pure extract provides superior taste compared to imitation.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structural foundation for cookies; sift to prevent lumps and ensure smooth texture.
• Cornstarch: Contributes to tender, delicate crumb and helps cookies maintain soft consistency; use fresh, high-quality cornstarch.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor complexity; use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides elegant dusting and additional sweet layer; sift for smooth, even coating on cooled cookies.

Tools for Shaping and Baking Lemon Meltaways Just Right

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Separate mixing bowl: Used for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Baking sheet: Provides surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Tablespoon: Helps measure and scoop consistent dough portions.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Whip Up a Batch of Lemon Meltaways

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F and line a baking tray with parchment paper for smooth cookie action.

• Create Creamy Base

Whip softened butter and powdered sugar together until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.

• Spark Citrus Magic

Splash in vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and a dash of vanilla extract, stirring until everything blends into a zesty harmony.

• Blend Dry Wonders

Gently combine flour, cornstarch, and a tiny pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Slowly fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough emerges.

• Shape Delightful Rounds

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into cute little balls. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie, and give them a gentle press to flatten slightly.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch carefully – you want golden edges but a pale, tender center.

• Dust with Sweet Snow

Once cooled, sprinkle a magical layer of powdered sugar over your cookies, transforming them into elegant treats.

• Savor the Moment

Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth lemon cookies with your favorite beverage or share them with friends and family.

Creative Add-Ins for Classic Lemon Meltaways

• Zesty Lemon Perfection: Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor that truly makes these cookies sing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate, or freeze the dough balls for up to 1 month for spontaneous baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these delightful cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Flavor Twist: Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime to create unique variations that'll surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Storage Secrets: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.

Serve Lemon Meltaways with Tea or a Smile

• Citrus Tea Party Delight: Arrange these delicate lemon meltaways on a beautiful vintage platter alongside chamomile or Earl Grey tea for an elegant afternoon refreshment.
• Dessert Sidekick: Serve these cookies as a light, zesty accompaniment to vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet for a refreshing summer dessert combination.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package the cooled cookies in a charming mason jar or decorative tin, tied with a ribbon, for a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads sweet joy to friends and family.
• Brunch Showstopper: Present these meltaways on a tiered serving stand during brunch gatherings, complementing fresh fruit platters and creating a delightful sweet ending to your morning meal.

Keep Your Lemon Meltaways from Crumbling in Storage

• Fridge Friendly Storage: Store these delicate cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Freezer Magic: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for quick future baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Room Temperature Charm: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing at room temperature. Choose a dark, cool spot away from direct sunlight to prevent softening or flavor degradation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Let dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping and baking for optimal results.

Tangy Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delicate lemon meltaways showcase zesty citrus elegance from France’s pastry tradition. Silky shortbread cookies dissolve instantly, delivering pure buttery sweetness you’ll savor with afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Activate the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless cookie release and minimal sticking.
2. Butter Mixture Creation: Whip softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until the consistency transforms into a light, fluffy, and homogeneous blend that captures a delicate airiness.
3. Flavor Infusion: Integrate lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring complete incorporation and a vibrant citrus essence that permeates the entire dough.
4. Dry Ingredient Integration: Gently fold flour, cornstarch, and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms without overworking the mixture, which could compromise the cookies’ tender structure.
5. Dough Shaping and Positioning: Sculpt the dough into consistent, compact spheres and arrange them strategically on the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient space for minimal spreading during the baking process.
6. Baking and Transformation: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, monitoring the cookies until their edges acquire a subtle golden hue, approximately 10-12 minutes, signaling their perfect doneness and delicate crisp.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Transfer the freshly baked cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely, then dust with a gossamer layer of powdered sugar, creating an elegant and inviting presentation that enhances their visual appeal.

Notes

• Soften Butter Properly: Ensure butter is at room temperature but not melting to achieve the perfect creamy base for smooth, consistent cookie texture.
• Zest Carefully: Grate lemon zest using a microplane or fine grater, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath to maintain a bright, pure lemon flavor.
• Control Flour Mixing: Add dry ingredients gradually and mix minimally to prevent tough cookies, stopping just when the dough comes together for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result.
• Chill for Precision: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create more defined, compact cookie shapes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg