Zesty Lemon Melting Moments
Indulge in the delightful taste of these Zesty Lemon Melting Moments, a heavenly treat that literally melts in your mouth! Perfectly balanced with the bright flavors of fresh lemon, these cookies are a wonderful addition to any dessert spread and make an irresistible snack. This recipe yields a whopping 120 mini cookies, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or for those unexpected guests who drop by. The dough freezes beautifully, ensuring you always have fresh, buttery lemon cookies at your fingertips whenever a craving arises!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 1/2 cups (Sifted)
butter
1 1/2 cups (Softened, no substitutes)
cornstarch
1 cup (N/A)
powdered sugar
2/3 cup (N/A)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (N/A)
fresh grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2
Add the fresh lemon juice and grated lemon zest to the dough mixture. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated and the dough becomes soft and pliable.
3
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a roll about 1 inch in diameter. You can adjust the size of the rolls if desired, just be mindful to change the baking time accordingly.
4
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour. Cooling the dough will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
6
Once the dough is chilled, remove from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolls into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
7
Place the cut cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color. Avoid overbaking as you want them to remain soft and tender.
9
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Melting Moments?
They are a buttery, citrus-flavored cookie that features a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the inclusion of cornstarch.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 120 mini cookies, making it perfect for large gatherings or parties.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the dough freezes beautifully, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you have a craving.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch is the essential ingredient that creates the signature tender, 'melting' texture of these cookies.
Can I use a butter substitute?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1.5 cups of softened butter with no substitutes for the best flavor and consistency.
How long should I mix the base ingredients?
You should mix the flour, cornstarch, sugar, and butter on low speed for about 3 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The cookies should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, the cookies should be placed on an ungreased baking sheet.
How thick should I slice the cookie rounds?
Using a sharp knife, slice the dough rolls into rounds that are 1/4 inch thick.
Why does the dough need to be refrigerated?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
How long should the dough chill in the refrigerator?
The dough should be refrigerated for a minimum of 1 hour before slicing and baking.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is best for flavor, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What size should the dough rolls be?
The dough should be shaped into rolls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 1/2 cups of sifted flour for the correct texture.
How much lemon zest is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of fresh grated lemon zest.
Can I make the cookies larger than mini size?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the rolls, but you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
What kind of sugar is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2/3 cup of powdered sugar to ensure a smooth, delicate crumb.
Do I need to scrape the bowl while mixing?
Yes, you should scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
How should I cool the cookies after baking?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Are these cookies difficult to make?
No, this is considered an easy recipe that yields a large number of cookies with simple steps.
What is the texture of the dough?
Once the lemon juice and zest are added, the dough should become soft and pliable.
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer can be used to combine the ingredients.
How many portions should the dough be divided into?
The dough should be divided into four equal portions before being rolled into logs.
What happens if I overbake the cookies?
Overbaking will cause the cookies to lose their soft, tender texture; they should be removed when the edges are just barely golden.
Is this recipe similar to shortbread?
Yes, it is a type of shortbread cookie but with a lighter texture due to the cornstarch.
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh juice?
The recipe calls for fresh juice and zest for a bright, natural flavor, but extract could be used in a pinch with flavor adjustments.
How should I wrap the dough for chilling?
Wrap each dough roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Are these cookies good for holiday treats?
Yes, they are categorized as festive treats and make excellent gifts or additions to a dessert spread.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
No, the butter should be softened to room temperature, not melted, to achieve the right dough consistency.