Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe – Easy and Delicious Treats

This Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe is the soft, citrusy cookie everyone’s cravingthey melt like snowflakes on your tongue and look stunning on Pinterest feeds. Bright, buttery, and ready in under an hour. No fancy baking skills neededjust a bowl, a whisk, and the comforting scent of fresh Meyer lemons wafting through your kitchen.

These buttery little cookies are ultra-tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth crumble kissed by natural citrus. Made with simple ingredientsunsalted butter, powdered sugar, flour, cornstarch, and fresh Meyer lemon zest and juicethey’re likely already in your pantry. Keep reading for full instructions, plus pro baker tips!

I first made these under the watchful eye of my grandmother, using her well-loved citrus zester. Her guidance inspired a recipe I’ve refined over time while working in a test kitchen. After numerous tweakswatching for the right texture and brightnessthey’re now balanced, tender, and irresistibly fragrant. I even added a twist I think you’ll really enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Let me count the ways:

• Bright, fresh flavor: The Meyer lemon zest and juice bring a sweet, citrusy punch that’s gentle and aromatic.
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Butter and cornstarch make these cookies delicately crumbly and light.
• Beginner-friendly: Only standard kitchen tools are requiredno mixers, no piping bags.
• Quick to make: Done in under an hour, including chill timeideal for spontaneous baking sessions.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s unpack the magic behind these Meyer Lemon Meltaways. Each ingredient plays a vital role in flavor and texture:

• Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and tender structure. Soften to room temperature before mixing for best results.
• Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the dough, adding sweetness without grittiness.
• Meyer lemon zest & juice: Adds floral citrus complexity that’s brighter and less acidic than standard lemons.
• All-purpose flour: Gives body and structure to the cookie without weighing it down.
• Cornstarch: Creates that delicate, meltaway texture. Essential for achieving the cookie’s signature crumb.

Pro Tip: Meyer lemons can be hard to find outside of winter. They’re usually more fragrant and smoother-skinned, with a golden-yellow hue and subtle orange tinge. If unavailable, see our FAQ for substitution tips.

How to Make Them: Step-by-Step

This cookie recipe delivers bakery elegance with minimal effort. Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Mix the dough: Cream softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add Meyer lemon zest and juice and mix until combined.
2. Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
3. Chill: Divide the dough in half. Shape each portion into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30–45 minutes to firm up.
4. Slice and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds using a serrated knife and place 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden.

Pro Tip: A serrated knife helps keep the rounds intact and clean-edged when slicing chilled dough.

Baking and Cooling Timing

Tips for Serving & Storing

Keep your meltaways fresh and flavorful with these pro tips:

• Serve: Dust with powdered sugar after cooling for a frosted effect. These cookies pair beautifully with herbal tea or espresso.
• Store: Store in an airtight tin or container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Avoid humid environments to preserve texture.
• Freeze the dough: Slice and freeze the dough rounds flat on a sheet tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and keep up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozenjust add 2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Pro Tip: For gifting, tuck a few cookies between layers of parchment in a metal cookie tin, and tie with a ribbon or label for a charming, cozy treat.

Expert Insight: The Charm of Meyer Lemon Meltaways

Meyer Lemon Meltaways strike the perfect harmony between fragrant citrus and tender, buttery crumb. Unlike regular lemons, Meyer lemons deliver a floral, naturally sweet flavor that adds elegance and depth. The melt-in-your-mouth profile of these cookies makes them a hit for tea time, gifts, or quiet kitchen moments year-round.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

The Many Attempts Behind My Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Creating this Meyer Lemon Meltaways recipe took plenty of flour-dusted trials. Some batches turned too crumbly, others fell flat without clear flavor. After testing and tasting through multiple versions, I finally found the perfect balance: buttery lightness, floral citrus notes, and just a whisper of sweetness. I’m so thrilled to share that final version with you.

FAQs ( Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe )

Conclusion

This Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe delivers delicate, buttery cookies that quite literally melt in your mouth. Their bright citrus notes and soft crumb make them a favorite for gifting, snacking, or elevating your afternoon tea.

Experiment by adding chopped pistachios, vanilla bean, or even swapping cornstarch for arrowroot to play with texture. Store your cookies in a cool, dry spot, or freeze the dough for future lemony indulgences.

I’d love to see your spin on them! Tag your cookies, share your tweaks, and show off your cookie gift tins. A homemade batch of meltaways spreads cheer one sunny bite at a time.

Thomas Baker

Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe – Easy and Delicious Treats

Discover the delightful Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe, a perfect example of Lemon Meyer Recipes and Italian Sweet Recipes. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies burst with fresh Meyer lemon zest and juice, combining buttery softness with a delicate tangy flavor. Ideal for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat any time of day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon zest
• 1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra meltiness)

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the Meyer lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and cornstarch.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy these meltaways with a cup of tea or coffee!

Notes

• For an extra lemony flavor, sprinkle additional powdered sugar mixed with lemon zest on top after baking. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.