Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and lemons, especially when it comes to cookies! These Ridiculously Easy Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, bright citrus flavor, and sweet bursts of juicy strawberries, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Zest of one lemon (for added flavor)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined and there are no flour streaks left.
- Fold in the lemon extract and diced strawberries, allowing the sweet fruit to be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls between your hands.
- Roll each ball in a mixture of granulated sugar and lemon zest until they are well coated; this will give them a lovely sparkle!
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a drizzle of lemon glaze on top once the cookies have cooled. Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency, then drizzle it over the cookies. Also, if using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your cookie dough!
Cooking Techniques
The key to achieving the meltaway texture in these cookies is the proper creaming of the butter and sugar. Be sure to beat them together until they are light and fluffy. Additionally, avoid over-mixing once you add the dry ingredients; this will keep the cookies tender and soft. Baking them until just golden will also ensure they stay soft and not overly crisp.
FAQ
- Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries? Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries would also pair beautifully with the lemon flavor.
- How do I store leftover cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months!
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Ridiculously Easy Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies are a true showcase of bright, fruity flavors wrapped in a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are bound to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy a little taste of sunshine!