Lemon Melting Moments

Lemon Melting Moments are delicate, buttery cookies that quite literally melt in your mouth, offering a burst of bright lemon flavor with every bite. These tender cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or a sweet gift. Made with simple ingredients like butter, cornstarch, and lemon zest, they have a soft, crumbly texture that pairs wonderfully with the tangy-sweet lemon icing. Their small size and exquisite taste make them irresistible, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Lemon Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, and mix until combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a fork to gently press down on each ball, creating a slight indent.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The cookies should still be pale in color. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Lemon Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and slightly thickened. If desired, add more lemon juice for a thinner consistency.
7. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon icing over the tops. For an extra lemony touch, sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over the icing before it sets.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the icing to set before serving. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, though they rarely last that long!

Lemon Melting Moments are a delightful treat that combines the zing of lemon with the tenderness of a shortbread-like cookie, making them perfect for any occasion where a little sweetness is needed.