Are you craving a delicious treat that's both easy to make and utterly irresistible? Look no further! These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are the perfect answer. Imagine the delicate crunch of a melt-in-your-mouth cookie, infused with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. These aren't your average cookies; they're a delightful experience, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or impressing your guests. This easy recipe is ideal for homemade cooking, and these cookies make a fantastic addition to any dessert spread, ideal for a quick dinner dessert. This recipe is perfect as a healthy alternative compared to many other sweet treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
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Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, saving you time and effort.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined. The bright citrus notes will really shine through in this stage.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows for proper spreading during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool & Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lemon Meltaway Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can differ, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Variations:
- Glaze: Add a simple lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with other citrus zests like orange or lime for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Their delicate texture and bright lemon flavor are sure to become a new favorite among family and friends. Enjoy!