Description
Delicate lemon meltaways dance with buttery sweetness, melting memories of grandma’s kitchen into each delightful bite. Crumbly, zesty cookies promise pure comfort that connects generations through simple, magnificent flavors you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Craft a velvety butter and powdered sugar base in a spacious mixing vessel, whipping until the mixture achieves a cloud-like consistency and transforms to a pale, creamy hue.
- Infuse the creamy foundation with vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic vanilla extract, stirring until harmoniously blended.
- In a separate container, meticulously sift flour, cornstarch, and salt, creating a delicate dry mixture that will provide structure to the delicate cookies.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to create a tender, supple dough that just comes together without overmixing.
- Carefully partition the dough into two equal portions, then methodically shape each section into a cylindrical log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Envelop each log completely in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal, and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour to allow the dough to firm and flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven to 350F, preparing parchment-lined baking sheets that will cradle the delicate cookies.
- Extract the chilled logs and slice into precise 1/4-inch medallions, arranging them with gentle spacing on the prepared sheets.
- Bake the cookies until their edges develop a subtle golden hint, typically 10-12 minutes, creating a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- While the cookies remain warm, delicately roll them in a snowfall of powdered sugar, optionally enhancing the coating with additional lemon zest for an intense citrus profile.
- Transfer the sugar-dusted cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and set their delicate structure.
- For an extra luxurious finish, perform a second gentle coating of powdered sugar, ensuring a pristine, cloud-like appearance.
Notes
- Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain perfect round shape during baking.
- Use fresh, high-quality lemons for maximum zesty flavor and bright citrus notes in cookies.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal texture and smooth cookie consistency.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven’s performance to prevent over-browning delicate cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 119
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg