If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than lemon meltaways. These delectable cookies are a combination of sweet and tangy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making lemon meltaways, from the ingredients to the preparation and baking process. Let’s get started!
Introduction
Lemon meltaways are a popular cookie that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. They’re light, refreshing, and have a unique texture that’s similar to shortbread. These cookies are perfect for a summer picnic, a springtime brunch, or as an after-dinner treat. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own delicious lemon meltaways from scratch.
What Are Lemon Meltaways?
Lemon meltaways are a type of cookie that are made with butter, powdered sugar, flour, and lemon zest. They have a soft, crumbly texture that literally melts in your mouth, hence the name “meltaways.” The addition of lemon zest gives these cookies a tangy, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for summer.
Ingredients
To make lemon meltaways, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Preparation
To prepare the dough for lemon meltaways, follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour and lemon zest, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Baking
- Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to bake the cookies. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with additional powdered sugar.
Tips and Tricks
- Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when making lemon meltaways:
- Be sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, as this will help give the cookies their soft texture.
- Chill the dough logs in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing and baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading.
- When slicing the dough logs, use a sharp knife and cut the rounds as evenly as possible for consistent baking.
