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Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are tangy, buttery treats with a bright citrus flavor and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect as a refreshing sweet snack or elegant dessert, these cookies combine fresh lemon zest and juice with creamy butter and cream cheese for a tender, flavorful bite that’s ideal for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating

  • Powdered sugar, for coating

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Bring the butter and cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing. Zest and juice fresh lemons to maximize flavor and aroma in the dough.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice for the signature citrus zing.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping.
  4. Form the Cookie Dough: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with care not to overmix. This creates a soft dough that keeps the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
  5. Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
  6. Bake and Coat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are just set. While still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet coating.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to ensure the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
  • Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature for smooth, easy mixing.
  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and maintain the ideal meltaway texture.
  • Apply just enough powdered sugar to coat without clumping, adding both sweetness and a snowy appearance.
  • Handle the dough gently to preserve its tender texture throughout preparation.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: lemon, cookies, meltaway, zesty, buttery, dessert, citrus, soft cookies, lemon zest