These Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are a burst of sunshine in every bite. Light, tender, and full of fresh lemon flavor, they practically dissolve on your tongue, leaving behind a refreshing citrusy sweetness. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or anytime you’re craving something bright and sweet, these cookies are as delightful as they are easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh Lemon Flavor – Real lemon juice and zest give these cookies their bright, tangy taste.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Soft, delicate cookies that disappear with every bite.
Light & Refreshing – A perfect alternative to heavier desserts.
Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup light butter, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. In a larger bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla; mix until combined. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough
Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cookies are set but not browned.
4. Cool and Dust
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 70
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemons – Freshly squeezed juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
- Chill the Dough – Helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Dust While Warm – Powdered sugar sticks best when cookies are still slightly warm.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of cornstarch and butter gives these cookies their signature meltaway texture, while the lemon juice and zest brighten the flavor. They’re light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down and pretty enough to serve at any occasion.
Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies are the perfect marriage of delicate texture and vibrant citrus flavor. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear, they’re a refreshing treat you’ll want to bake again and again.
Zesty Lemon Meltaway Cookies – Light, Luscious, and Irresistibly Soft
24
servings15
minutes12
minutes70
kcalLight, soft cookies infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, dusted with powdered sugar for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth citrus treat.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
½ cup light butter, softened
⅓ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. In a larger bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla; mix until combined. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms. - Chill the Dough
Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. - Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cookies are set but not browned. - Cool and Dust
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons – Freshly squeezed juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
Chill the Dough – Helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Dust While Warm – Powdered sugar sticks best when cookies are still slightly warm.