Description
Meltaways deliver pure citrus happiness right from the Meyer lemon’s zesty heart. Delicate butter cookies crumble perfectly, letting tangy brightness dance across your palate with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Meyer lemons (zest and juice)
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Finishing Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to exactly 350°F (175°C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring your cookie surface is completely smooth and non-stick.
- Sift 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients until completely combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup powdered sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and exceptionally fluffy.
- Incorporate the fresh zest from 2 Meyer lemons, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into your butter mixture. Stir until these aromatics are evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft dough forms, stopping just as the ingredients fully combine.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic film. Refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes to help your cookies maintain their delicate shape during baking.
- Roll the chilled dough into small 1-inch balls using your palms. Space each cookie approximately 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the cookie edges set while the tops remain pale and tender.
- Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and dust generously with additional powdered sugar while still slightly warm.
Notes
- Roll the dough logs tightly to prevent cracking and ensure uniform cookies that slice evenly.
- Chill the dough thoroughly before slicing to help maintain the cookies’ delicate shape and prevent spreading.
- Sift powdered sugar over the warm cookies to create a light, elegant coating that adds sweetness without overwhelming the delicate Meyer lemon flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 22 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg