Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Bright, tender, and utterly irresistible, the Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe is your ticket to citrusy bliss in every bite. These delicate cookies combine the sweet floral notes of Meyer lemon with a buttery crumb that seems to dissolve on your tongue. With just the right amount of tang and a cloud of powdered sugar to finish, they’re the kind of treat you’ll want to share with friends and family—although keeping a stash for yourself is highly recommended!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe is all about letting a few uncomplicated ingredients shine. Each one brings an essential element—flavor, texture, or that signature sunshiny color—to these delightful cookies.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The key to the cookie’s signature melt-in-your-mouth texture; make sure it’s truly room temperature!
• Powdered Sugar (2/3 cup for dough + 1 cup for coating): Adds sweetness and a delicate crumb, plus that pillowy finishing touch.
• Meyer Lemon Zest (2 tablespoons): Infuses the cookies with fragrant citrus oils—don’t skimp on zesting, it packs a punch!
• Meyer Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): Adds tangy, floral brightness that sets these cookies apart from ordinary lemon treats.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The structure and body of the meltaway; sift for an extra tender result.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• Cornstarch (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny addition that makes a big difference, delivering that trademark “meltaway” texture.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by combining the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip them together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy—this step is where the magic happens, creating the foundation for that dreamy, tender crumb.

Step 2: Add Lemon Zest and Juice

Next, mix in the Meyer lemon zest and juice, and prepare for an aroma that will fill your kitchen! Scrape down the sides of the bowl so every ounce of that sunny lemon flavor is perfectly blended into the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, salt, and cornstarch in a separate bowl—this trio ensures a light, delicate bite. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients and stir just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Shape the dough into a log, about two inches in diameter. Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms the dough, develops flavor, and makes slicing the cookies a breeze.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F while the dough firms up. Unwrap your chilled log and cut it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each cookie a little breathing room. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool just enough to handle, then gently roll or dust them in the remaining powdered sugar while still warm. This step transforms them into true Meyer Lemon Meltaways—each one a snowy, citrusy morsel!

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Garnishes

A simple shower of extra powdered sugar just before serving is classic, but you can also add fine strands of Meyer lemon zest for a pop of color and a bit of fresh zing. Edible flowers or a few mint leaves on the plate make for a gorgeous presentation if you’re serving these cookies at a special gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair your Meyer Lemon Meltaways with an assortment of berries, a pot of fragrant Earl Grey tea, or even a scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet if you want to take things up a notch. Their zesty sweetness is a lovely counterpoint to fruity or creamy accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift these cookies in a pretty tin or box lined with parchment for a homemade present anyone would adore. Stack them in little towers tied with a ribbon, or arrange them on a tiered sweets stand for a festive brunch or tea party display. However you serve them, the Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe is bound to steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep them out of direct sunlight to maintain their delicate texture and flavor. Layering them between sheets of parchment will help prevent sticking.

Freezing

Want to have Meyer Lemon Meltaways on hand for later? You can freeze the dough log before baking—just wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to two months. Or, freeze baked (uncoated) cookies, then thaw and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest taste.

Reheating

No need for a full reheat, but if you love the just-baked warmth, set the cookies on a baking tray and pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar to restore their meltaway magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Absolutely! Regular lemons will give your cookies a brighter, more tart flavor, while Meyer lemons offer a sweeter, floral note. Both work beautifully in the Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe, just keep in mind the subtle difference in taste.

Why do my meltaways crumble when sliced?

Chilling the dough thoroughly helps it hold together when slicing. If your dough still crumbles, try letting it rest at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, or slice with a sharp, thin knife in gentle motions.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, making the dough ahead is one of the best time-saving tips! You can refrigerate the wrapped dough log for up to three days, slicing and baking the cookies whenever you’re ready for a citrusy treat.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Of course! Substitute a good-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check the blend’s packaging to be sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting or disappearing?

Be sure the cookies are only slightly warm—not hot—when you dust with powdered sugar, and wait to coat them until right before serving if moisture is a concern. Storing them in a cool, dry place also helps preserve that snowy finish.

Final Thoughts

The Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe is truly a burst of sunshine in cookie form. If you adore citrus, these are sure to become a new favorite to bake and share. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this delicious tradition brighten your kitchen today!

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