These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with a zesty lemon twist, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant icing made from fresh strawberries, they offer a unique flavor experience that stands out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are designed to dissolve on your tongue, providing an unforgettable cookie experience.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.
- Versatile serving options: Perfect for tea parties, potlucks, or just as an everyday snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
- Fresh flavors: The use of real strawberries and lemon juice brings brightness and freshness that you won’t find in store-bought cookies.
- Beautiful presentation: The colorful strawberry icing adds a lovely touch that makes these cookies visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl gives you enough space to cream butter and sugar without spilling.
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when combining ingredients for a light and fluffy dough.
- Baking sheets: Using baking sheets ensures even baking and helps prevent sticking when lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup very soft butter (I use salted)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (I use Morton’s)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Sugar for rolling (I use cane sugar which is a little coarser than granulated sugar)
For the Icing
- ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2-2 ½ tablespoons fresh strawberry syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (maybe a bit more)
- 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar (maybe a bit more)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the very soft butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the cornstarch, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour until the dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
- Scoop small amounts of dough and roll them into balls about one inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball in cane sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing
- In a small bowl, combine diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to release juices.
- Mix in fresh strawberry syrup, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 6: Ice the Cookies
Once cooled, drizzle or spread the strawberry icing over each cookie. Allow icing to set before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies at your next gathering!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their light and refreshing flavor makes them an ideal treat for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Lemonade
- Pair these cookies with a tall glass of homemade lemonade to enhance the fruity flavor. The tartness of the lemonade complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
As Dessert at Tea Parties
- Serve these meltaway cookies as part of a charming tea party spread. Their delicate texture and vibrant color will impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your gathering.
On a Picnic
- Pack these cookies in your picnic basket for a sweet treat outdoors. They are easy to transport and will delight everyone at your picnic with their refreshing taste.
Gift-Wrapped for Friends
- Wrap these cookies in a decorative box or bag as a thoughtful gift for friends or family. A personal touch like this makes them even more special.
Alongside Fresh Fruit
- Serve with a platter of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or citrus slices. This will create a colorful and healthy dessert option that pairs perfectly with the cookies.
How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies, follow these helpful tips. Each step ensures that your cookies come out perfectly every time.
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Use very soft butter: Make sure your butter is very soft, which helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and improves the cookie’s shape when baked.
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Adjust icing consistency: Add more powdered sugar or strawberry syrup gradually until you reach your desired icing thickness for perfect drizzling.
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Store in an airtight container: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness for days.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
These Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes that can complement their light and fruity flavor. Here are some fantastic options:
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Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness, making it an ideal side dish. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a creamy contrast that enhances the cookie experience. -
Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies, offering a savory balance. -
Mini Quiches
These savory bites provide variety while maintaining lightness in flavor, suitable for tea parties or brunches. -
Cucumber Sandwiches
Refreshing cucumber sandwiches offer a crisp bite that complements the softness of the meltaway cookies. -
Iced Tea
A glass of iced tea—sweetened or unsweetened—makes for a refreshing beverage pairing that’s easy to enjoy alongside these treats. -
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
For an indulgent touch, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries as they harmonize beautifully with lemony flavors. -
Pistachio Muffins
These nutty muffins add texture and flavor contrast while keeping things light and airy on your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best results with your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can prevent the cookies from melting in your mouth. Always use very soft butter for the right texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape. Don’t skip this step for a perfect texture.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale ingredients can affect flavor. Always use fresh strawberries and other ingredients for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid to gently warm the cookies without drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?
Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are soft, buttery cookies infused with strawberry and lemon flavors, topped with fresh strawberry icing.
How do I make these cookies more lemony?
To enhance the lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or zest into the cookie dough or icing as desired.
Can I substitute frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are delightful and versatile treats that are sure to impress at any gathering. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright flavors, they are perfect for tea parties or casual snacking. Feel free to customize them by adding different fruits or flavorings!