Description
Meyer Lemon Meltaways are delicate, buttery shortbread cookies infused with bright citrus flavors from Meyer lemons. Soft, crumbly, and coated in powdered sugar, these delightful treats are perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a sweet, tangy cookie.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Coating
- ½ cup additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Citrus and Vanilla: Mix in the Meyer lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with bright, aromatic flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Shape and Chill: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log approximately 1½ inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden, indicating perfect doneness without overbaking.
- Coat and Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then gently toss them in the additional powdered sugar while still warm to create a sweet, meltaway coating. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Meyer lemons provide a sweeter, less tart citrus flavor that makes these cookies uniquely delicious.
- For added depth, try adding a tiny pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
