Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Meyer Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a bright citrus twist. Their tender texture and sweet lemon flavor make them perfect for any occasion, especially springtime treats or afternoon tea. These cookies melt in your mouth and are easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon zest
• 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra meltiness)
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2/3 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Stir in the Meyer lemon zest and juice, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to combine everything evenly.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Step 6: Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh Meyer lemons for the brightest flavor; regular lemons can be substituted but will yield a slightly different taste.
• Chilling the dough is essential to maintain the cookie shape and achieve the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• For an added twist, try mixing in a teaspoon of finely chopped thyme or rosemary for a subtle herbal note.
• If you prefer, roll the chilled log in powdered sugar before slicing to give the cookies an extra sweet coating.

Storage

Store the Meyer Lemon Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before dusting with additional powdered sugar. Reheat gently in a low oven if desired, but they are best enjoyed fresh or slightly cooled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, regular lemons can be used, but Meyer lemons are sweeter and less tart, giving these cookies a unique, mellow citrus flavor.

Why do we add cornstarch to the dough?

Cornstarch helps create a tender, melt-away texture by reducing gluten formation in the dough. It makes the cookies softer and more delicate.

Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 73 reviews

Meyer Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with bright Meyer lemon zest and juice, creating a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these meltaways offer a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors, ideal for a refreshing treat or elegant dessert.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon zest
• 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra meltiness)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 2/3 cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the dough.
3. Add Meyer Lemon: Mix in the Meyer lemon zest and juice thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the citrus flavor evenly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined to form a soft dough.
5. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up for easy slicing.
6. Slice and Prepare for Baking: Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender inside.
8. Cool and Dust: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool for a few minutes. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar to give them a sweet, snowy finish.

Notes

• For extra meltiness, the cornstarch in the dough helps create a delicate texture.
• Be sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Chilling the dough log is important for clean slices and uniform shapes.
• Use Meyer lemons if possible for their unique floral and sweet citrus flavor, though regular lemons can be substituted.

Keywords: Meyer lemon meltaways, lemon cookies, meltaway cookies, buttery lemon cookies, citrus cookies, soft lemon cookie recipe