Introduction to Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies
Welcome to the world of Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get hectic. Sometimes, you just need a quick, delightful treat to brighten your day. These cookies are not only irresistibly delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Imagine buttery cookies that melt in your mouth, paired with a zesty lemon cream filling. They’re perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies
These Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies are a dream come true for any home cook. They come together in no time, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. The combination of buttery goodness and zesty lemon flavor is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike! You’ll find yourself reaching for these cookies again and again, and your friends will be begging for the recipe!
Ingredients for Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies
Let’s gather the stars of our show! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies. Don’t worry; I’ll keep it simple and sweet!
- Unsalted butter: This is the foundation of our cookies, giving them that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetener adds a delicate sweetness and helps create that lovely creamy filling. It’s a must for both the cookies and the filling!
- Lemon zest: The zest of fresh lemons brings a burst of citrus flavor. It’s like sunshine in your cookies! Use organic lemons if possible for the best taste.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies even more delightful.
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookie dough, providing structure and stability.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient helps create that meltaway texture we all love. It makes the cookies tender and light.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the cookies.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy kick to the filling. It’s essential for that zesty flavor!
- Optional ingredients: Feel free to experiment! You can add a touch of lemon extract for an extra lemony punch or even a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a fun twist.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Now, let’s get ready to bake these delicious treats!
How to Make Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie bliss.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by placing the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it creates the base for our meltaway cookies. The fluffier, the better!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This blend will give our cookies that tender texture we crave. Make sure there are no lumps; we want a smooth mix to incorporate into our wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t overdo it! We want to keep that light texture. If you see a few flour streaks, that’s okay. It’s better to under-mix than over-mix.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Now, it’s time to shape the dough. You can either roll it into a log or pat it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape of our cookies while baking. Plus, it makes it easier to handle!
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven is key to achieving that perfect golden edge!
Step 6: Cut and Bake Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a round or scalloped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 7: Prepare the Filling
While the cookies cool, let’s whip up the lemon cream filling. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Then, add the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. This filling is the star of our Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies!
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Take one cookie and pipe or spread a generous amount of lemon cream onto the bottom. Then, sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat until all cookies are filled. You’ll want to taste one at this point, trust me!
Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Finally, dust the tops of your sandwich cookies with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a lovely touch and makes them look extra special. Plus, who doesn’t love a little sweetness on top?
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t over-mix the dough; it should be just combined.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the filling to avoid melting.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy. You can use any large bowl you have.
- Electric mixer: This makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze. A whisk works too, but it’ll take longer.
- Cookie cutters: Round or scalloped cutters are ideal. You can even use a glass if you’re in a pinch!
- Parchment paper: This keeps cookies from sticking. If you don’t have any, greasing the baking sheet works.
Variations
- Chocolate Lemon Meltaways: Add cocoa powder to half of the dough for a delightful chocolate twist. Pair with the lemon filling for a unique flavor combination.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Herb-Infused Cookies: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint into the dough for a refreshing herbal note that complements the lemon.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the filling. Opt for a vegan powdered sugar for the best results.
- Fruit-Filled Variations: Swap the lemon filling for other fruit flavors like raspberry or strawberry for a fruity twist. Just adjust the sugar to match the sweetness of the fruit.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve them on a beautiful platter, dusted with extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert sandwich!
FAQs about Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies
Can I make Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookies and filling in advance. Just store the cookies in an airtight container and assemble them when you’re ready to serve. They’ll stay fresh for several days!
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe. Alternatively, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well for a dairy-free option.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice is convenient, I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. It really makes a difference in the taste of your filling!
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies shine when served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also dust them with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. They’re perfect for tea parties or casual gatherings!
Final Thoughts
Making Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories. The joy of watching these cookies come together, from mixing the buttery dough to savoring that zesty filling, is truly special. Each bite transports you to a sunny day, filled with laughter and warmth. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies bring a smile to your face. I hope you find as much happiness in baking and sharing these delightful treats as I do. Happy baking!
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Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies: Irresistibly Delicious Treats!
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Meltaway Sandwich Cookies are irresistibly delicious treats that combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a zesty lemon cream filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar (for filling)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for filling)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into a log or pat into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut with a round or scalloped cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Let cool completely.
- Beat butter until creamy for the filling.
- Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread lemon cream onto the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie.
- Dust tops with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
