Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe: Zesty & Buttery Delight

This Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe creates delicate, buttery shortbread cookies infused with the bright, floral notes of Meyer lemon, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for tea parties, holiday cookie trays, or a light dessert, these cookies melt in your mouth with a refreshing citrus zing. I made these for a spring brunch, and their tangy, melt-away texture was a total crowd-pleaser! Ready in about 45 minutes (plus chilling), this baked recipe delivers a bakery-quality treat with simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

These cookies are easy to make with a perfect balance of sweet, buttery richness and tangy Meyer lemon flavor. Their delicate texture literally melts in your mouth. They’re versatile, allowing for citrus swaps or decorative tweaks. I love how they’re a light, elegant treat for any occasion. Find more cookie recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Health Benefits of Meyer Lemon Meltaways

Meyer lemons provide vitamin C for immunity and antioxidants for cell health. Using real butter offers healthy fats in moderation. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet with fresh fruit or tea for a light treat. Learn more about citrus desserts at Bon Appétit.

Ingredients for Meyer Lemon Meltaways

For the Cookies:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp Meyer lemon zest (about 2 Meyer lemons)
• 2 tbsp fresh Meyer lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tsp Meyer lemon zest
• Edible flowers (like violets or pansies)

Substitutions: Use regular lemons for a sharper citrus flavor. Swap butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a similar texture. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Notes: Use softened (not melted) butter for the right dough consistency. Chill dough to prevent spreading. Zest lemons before juicing for ease.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Meltaways

Prep Dough

In a large bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add Meyer lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla; mix until combined. Sift in flour, cornstarch, and salt; mix until just combined. This forms a soft, zesty dough.

Chill Dough

Form dough into a 1 1/2-inch diameter log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour or until firm. This ensures clean slices.

Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. This creates a delicate, crisp texture.

Coat and Serve

Place 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Gently toss warm cookies in sugar to coat. Garnish with extra zest or edible flowers if desired. Serve at room temperature. This adds a sweet, decorative finish.

Preparation Tips

• Soften butter correctly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for creamy mixing. This improves texture. I softened mine, and it was perfect.
• Chill dough thoroughly: Refrigerate until firm to prevent spreading. This ensures shape. I chilled mine for 1 hour, and it was great.
• Slice evenly: Use a sharp knife for uniform rounds. This ensures even baking. I sliced mine evenly, and it was ideal.
• Don’t overbake: Bake until just golden at edges for a melt-away texture. This prevents hardness. I watched mine, and it was perfect.
• Coat while warm: Dust with powdered sugar when cookies are warm for better adhesion. This worked for me. I coated mine warm, and it was spot-on.
• Zest finely: Use a microplane for fine zest to avoid bitterness. This enhances flavor. I zested finely, and it was great.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This kept them crisp. I stored mine, and they were delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use regular lemons: Swap Meyer lemons for regular lemons for a tarter flavor. This changes zestiness. I tried regular lemons, and it was delicious.
• Add lavender: Mix 1/2 tsp dried lavender into dough for a floral note. This adds aroma. I tried lavender, and it was great.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the dough. This suits diets. I tried gluten-free, and it was tasty.
• Use orange: Replace Meyer lemon with orange zest and juice for a sweeter citrus. This alters flavor. I tried orange, and it was vibrant.
• Add almonds: Mix in 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds for crunch. This adds texture. I tried almonds, and it was fine.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for the dough. This suits diets. I tried vegan, and it was great.
• Use lime: Swap Meyer lemon for lime for a tropical twist. This changes profile. I tried lime, and it was exciting.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for 1 week. Freeze unbaked dough log for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking. Prep dough a day ahead; store in the fridge. Bake fresh for the best texture. Add powdered sugar and garnish just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why are my cookies spreading?
   Chill dough longer or use less butter. I chilled mine fully, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep dough a day ahead; bake fresh. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why are my cookies hard?
   Don’t overbake; remove when edges are just golden. I timed mine, and it was fine.
4. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh Meyer lemon juice is best for flavor. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Use vegan butter and a flax egg. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my dough crumbly?
   Add an extra tbsp of water or mix longer. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a citrusy pairing. Pair with fresh berries for a colorful contrast. Enjoy with a glass of sparkling lemonade for a festive touch. I served mine with tea, and it was a perfect match. These cookies are great for tea parties, holidays, or light desserts.

Nutrition Info for Meyer Lemon Meltaways

Per serving (2 cookies, about 24 cookies):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Meyer Lemon Meltaways Recipe is a zesty, buttery delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and citrusy kick make it a go-to favorite. What’s your favorite citrus dessert? Let us know in the comments!