These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant flavors, these cookies are a hit at tea parties, picnics, or just as a sweet indulgence at home. The fresh strawberry icing takes them to the next level, making them not only delicious but visually appealing too. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, these cookies will impress everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies truly dissolve on your tongue, offering a unique experience with every bite.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberries and lemon creates a refreshing taste that is perfect for spring and summer.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for tea parties, dessert tables, or just as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The bright colors of the strawberry icing make these cookies visually stunning.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Before you start making your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, gather your kitchen essentials.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a fluffy texture.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even baking; using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
These fabulous Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies will literally melt in your mouth. The easy, strawberry icing (made with fresh strawberries) is the crowning glory!
For the Cookies
- 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)
- ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Icing
- 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: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together the soft butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the cornstarch, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix until combined. Then slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold in the diced fresh strawberries into the cookie dough.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Using your hands or a scoop, shape small balls of dough. Roll them in cane sugar for added sweetness.
Step 7: Bake
Place cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare Icing
In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients for icing: powdered sugar, strawberry syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with more syrup or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 10: Ice Cookies
Once cooled, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie. Let set before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies! These treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, these cookies can be served in various fun ways.
Tea Party Treats
- Serve alongside a selection of teas for a charming afternoon.
- Present on tiered trays for an elegant look.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange them with other sweet treats like brownies and mini cupcakes.
- Add fresh strawberries for a colorful touch.
Gift Packaging
- Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as thoughtful gifts.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or special events.
Snack Time
- Pair these cookies with lemonade or iced tea.
- Great for kids’ snack times or after-school treats.
How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
To make your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries enhance the flavor and provide a vibrant color.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps maintain their shape while baking.
- Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and butter to achieve the best texture.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be just set and not browned.
- Add lemon zest: Incorporating lemon zest into the dough can intensify the citrus flavor.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding different sprinkles or edible flowers to the icing for a decorative touch.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage that complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness with natural acidity.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that contrast nicely with the cookie’s sweetness.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These indulgent treats echo the flavors in your cookies while adding a touch of decadence.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer small cupcakes in complementary flavors like lemon or vanilla to create variety.
- Lemonade Sorbet: A cool, zesty sorbet refreshes the palate and pairs perfectly with strawberry flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few crucial details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not using soft butter: Using cold or hard butter can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure your butter is very soft for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Skipping cornstarch: Cornstarch is key for achieving that meltaway texture. Don’t skip it; measure accurately for a light and tender cookie.
- Under-mixing the dough: Mixing is essential to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly. If you under-mix, your cookies might not hold together properly.
- Using unripe strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries enhance flavor. Opt for sweet, juicy berries to make your icing pop.
- Not rolling in sugar: Rolling the cookies in sugar before baking gives them a lovely finish. This step adds sweetness and a sparkly look to your cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: This keeps your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies fresh.
- Duration: They can last up to one week in the fridge without losing flavor.
Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
- Wrap individually: Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Duration: These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Thawing: Let them thaw at room temperature for best results.
Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes until just heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are done?
The cookies will be lightly golden on the bottom but soft on top. They should not be baked until brown.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries before using them in the recipe to prevent excess moisture.
How can I customize my Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?
Feel free to experiment by adding lemon zest or different fruit purees for unique flavors!
What makes these cookies melt away?
The combination of cornstarch and softened butter creates a delicate texture that melts in your mouth, hence the name meltaway.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or need a sweet treat, these cookies will impress everyone. Feel free to customize with different fruits or flavors to make them your own! Enjoy baking!
Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, where sweetness meets citrus zest. These cookies boast a unique melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more. Topped with a luscious fresh strawberry icing, they are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply as a sweet escape at home, these cookies bring sunshine to any occasion. Easy to prepare with common ingredients, they are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup very soft butter (salted)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for icing
- 2–2 ½ tablespoons fresh strawberry syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar for icing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla for icing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together soft butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in cornstarch, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Slowly add all-purpose flour until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries.
- Shape small balls of dough and roll in cane sugar before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden and cool on a rack.
- For icing, mix remaining ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (22g)
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor and color. Chill dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape. Experiment with lemon zest or various fruit purees for unique twists.
