Bright, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor, Meyer Lemon Meltaways are the kind of treat that instantly brighten any day. These delicate cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a sunny hit of sweet Meyer lemon in every bite, thanks to both zest and fresh juice in the dough. Rolled in powdered sugar until they resemble tiny snowballs, Meyer Lemon Meltaways are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with a cup of tea. Whether you’re celebrating citrus season or just need a pick-me-up, these cookies promise to deliver pure joy in each tender crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Meyer Lemon Meltaways lies in their short ingredient list—each item plays a crucial role in achieving that dreamy, meltaway texture and vibrant lemony flavor. Let’s break down the essentials you’ll need for this sunny-sweet recipe!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter is the magic behind the cookies’ tender, buttery crumb.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup for coating): Gives the cookies their hallmark delicate melt and finishes them with a snowy, sweet coating.
- Zest of 2 Meyer lemons: Infuses the dough with concentrated citrus fragrance and flavor.
- Fresh Meyer lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright pop of flavor and ensures the cookies taste fresh, not just sweet.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the citrus notes and adds a soft, comforting backdrop.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure while staying delicate.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemony zing.
How to Make Meyer Lemon Meltaways
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy. This step is key—it’s what gives Meyer Lemon Meltaways their signature soft and tender bite. Don’t rush it; a few extra minutes of whipping is worth it for that cloud-like texture.
Step 2: Add the Citrus and Vanilla
Sprinkle in the fragrant Meyer lemon zest, followed by the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. Blend everything together until you see cheerful flecks of zest dotted throughout—your kitchen should start smelling amazing at this point! This is when the cookie dough really takes on that unique Meyer Lemon Meltaways character.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt to the bowl, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky; overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as that last bit of flour disappears. This step keeps the cookies perfectly tender and crumbly.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, and use your hands to roll each piece into a log about 1 and 1/2 inches thick. Wrap each log snugly in plastic wrap, then pop them into the fridge to chill for at least one hour. Chilling sets the shape and gives the flavors time to meld, making those classic Meyer Lemon Meltaways even more irresistible.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Once firm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the dough logs and slice them into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Arrange these on the baking sheet with a little space in between—they won’t spread much. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden for that delicate texture.
Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the baking sheet so they firm up a bit. While still warm, gently toss each one in powdered sugar until generously coated. If you want the classic “snowball” look for your Meyer Lemon Meltaways, give them a second tumble in sugar after they’ve cooled completely.
How to Serve Meyer Lemon Meltaways
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is more than enough to make these cookies picture perfect, but you can take them up a notch with a sprinkle of extra Meyer lemon zest for bursts of color and aroma. If you want to add an even fancier touch, try a tiny edible flower or a candied citrus peel on each cookie.
Side Dishes
Meyer Lemon Meltaways are delightful with a mug of herbal or green tea, as the calm flavors let the citrus shine through. Alternatively, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy yet impressive dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a tall glass jar and tie with a bright ribbon for a stunning homemade gift, or arrange them on a vintage cake stand for an elegant afternoon tea spread. You can even sandwich a layer of lemon curd or white chocolate ganache between two cookies for a fun, fancy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Meyer Lemon Meltaways fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain tender for up to a week, and the citrus flavor actually deepens over time, making them even more irresistible after a day or two.
Freezing
Both the unbaked dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully! Wrap the dough logs tightly and freeze for up to two months; simply thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking. Baked cookies can be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a freezer bag—just dust with another coat of powdered sugar after thawing.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop a few on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. Let them cool again before dusting with more sugar if needed.
FAQs
Can I use regular lemons if I can’t find Meyer lemons?
Absolutely! Regular lemons work in a pinch; just note that the flavor will be more tart and slightly less floral, but your Meyer Lemon Meltaways will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Properly chilling the dough logs before slicing is crucial—this helps the cookies hold their shape and maintain that signature tender, crumbly texture.
Why are my cookies tough instead of meltingly soft?
The most common culprit is overmixing after the flour is added. Stir just until no dry spots remain for the most tender Meyer Lemon Meltaways possible.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales beautifully, whether you’re baking a smaller batch for yourself or multiplying for a crowd. Just keep an eye on the chilling and baking times.
Are Meyer Lemon Meltaways suitable for gifting?
Definitely! They travel well, look gorgeous nestled in a gift box, and their unique citrusy sweetness always surprises and delights friends or family.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a cookie that’s sunny, soft, and so simple to make, give Meyer Lemon Meltaways a try. These little lemony pillows never fail to charm at holidays, parties, or cozy afternoons at home—so preheat your oven and share some citrusy joy with your loved ones!
Print
Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and tangy Meyer Lemon Meltaways are soft, buttery cookies with a refreshing citrus flavor that literally melt in your mouth. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- zest of 2 Meyer lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For coating:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into two logs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on the prepared sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden.
- Let cool completely and, if desired, coat with a second layer of powdered sugar.
Mix in the Meyer lemon zest, juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then gently toss warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
Notes
- These cookies store well in an airtight container and taste even better the next day.
- Substitute regular lemon if Meyer lemons aren’t available, though flavor will be slightly more tart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
