Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe
Meltaway Lemon Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a delicate crumb that truly “melt” in your mouth. Infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with a light lemon glaze, these cookies are perfect for springtime treats, afternoon tea, or as a citrusy addition to your holiday cookie tray. They’re simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List
For the Cookies:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– ¼ tsp salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Let cool completely.
Step 9: Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies and let set.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (approx. per cookie)
Calories: 120
Carbs: 13g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 1g
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 1 month and glaze after thawing.
Pairings/Suggestions
Pairs perfectly with hot tea or lemonade.
Serve as part of a spring dessert platter or with other lemon treats like Lemon Thumbprint Cookies.
Seasonal Relevance
Ideal for spring and summer thanks to the bright citrus flavor. Also perfect for Easter, bridal showers, or light holiday baking.
Conclusion
Meltaway Lemon Cookies are soft, citrusy, and perfectly sweet, making them a go-to treat for lemon lovers. Their tender texture and zippy glaze make them unforgettable and totally irresistible for any occasion.
Meltaway Lemon Cookies Recipe
Course: Uncategorized24
servings15
minutes10
minutes120
kcalThese soft and tender Meltaway Lemon Cookies are a citrus lover’s dream! Bursting with bright lemon flavor and coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar, they literally melt in your mouth. Perfect for spring, tea parties, or any time you crave a refreshing cookie with a zesty twist.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
For the Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Let cool completely.
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies and let set.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Lemon zest adds natural brightness
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
Chilling the dough helps maintain shape
Powdered sugar coating gives a delicate finish
Cookies stay soft for days in an airtight container
FAQs
Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Q2: Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch helps create the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.
Q3: Can I skip the glaze?
Yes! The cookies are still delicious on their own, but the glaze enhances the lemon flavor beautifully.