Description
Meyer Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with fresh Meyer lemon zest and juice, offering a bright citrus flavor balanced by a sweet powdered sugar coating. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for dessert or an elegant tea-time snack, combining tender texture with refreshing lemon notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Meyer lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy, which creates the cookie’s tender texture.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Stir in the finely grated Meyer lemon zest, fresh Meyer lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate bright citrus flavor with fragrant vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale, ensuring a delicate texture.
- Cool Before Coating: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents the coating from melting.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once fully cooled, gently roll each cookie in the remaining 3/4 cup powdered sugar until completely coated, giving them their signature sweet finish.
Notes
- For an intensified lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough along with the fresh lemon juice and zest.
- These cookies are delicate; handle with care when rolling them in powdered sugar to avoid breakage.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they will keep their freshness for up to 5 days.
