Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies will literally melt in your mouth! Perfect for tea parties, picnics, or just a sweet snack at home, these cookies combine the refreshing flavors of strawberries and lemon. With their soft texture and vibrant icing made from fresh strawberries, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The combination of cornstarch and butter creates an incredibly soft cookie that is irresistible.
• Fresh fruit flavor: Using real strawberries in both the cookies and the icing gives these treats a bright, fruity taste.
• Easy preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for baking novices or those short on time.
• Versatile serving options: These cookies are great for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to fancy events.
• Eye-catching presentation: The vibrant pink icing makes these cookies a stunning addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
• Hand mixer or whisk: This tool helps achieve a light and airy dough, crucial for meltaway textures.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

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)

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 the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soft butter and powdered sugar. Beat until creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.
3. Add in cornstarch, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls about one inch in diameter.
2. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet about two inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Make the Icing

1. In another bowl, mix diced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. Add strawberry syrup, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla to the strawberry mixture. Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Ice Your Cookies

1. Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie generously.
2. Allow icing to set before serving or storing.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies! They are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

Serving Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. These cookies are light, refreshing, and perfect for various occasions. You can easily pair them with drinks or other treats to create an inviting spread.

With Iced Tea

• Pair these cookies with a glass of iced tea for a delightful afternoon break. The fruity flavors complement the tea beautifully.

At a Picnic

• Bring these meltaway cookies along on your next picnic. Their soft texture makes them easy to pack, and they will be a hit among family and friends.

During a Tea Party

• Serve these cookies at your next tea party. Their delicate flavor and pretty presentation will impress your guests, making them a perfect addition to any elegant gathering.

As a Snack

• Enjoy these cookies as a light snack throughout the day. They are sweet but not overwhelming, making them ideal for satisfying cravings without guilt.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or lemon slices. This combination enhances the fruity notes of the cookies while adding freshness to your plate.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

Achieving the perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for delightful results every time.

• Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is very soft for easy mixing, resulting in a tender cookie texture.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cornstarch helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution in the dough.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be just set and barely golden on the edges for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

• Experiment with toppings: Try adding different fruits or zests to the icing for unique flavors that can elevate your cookies further.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet and fruity flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries and melon adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Lemon Sorbet: This light, refreshing dessert complements the citrus notes in the cookies, making it an excellent choice for warm days.

3. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy contrast that pairs nicely with the strawberry flavors.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese that can provide a savory touch alongside the sweet cookies.

5. Herbal Infused Water: Serve infused water with mint or cucumber to offer a refreshing drink option that cleanses the palate between bites.

6. Mini Cupcakes: Light vanilla or lemon mini cupcakes can add variety without overshadowing the melt-away cookies’ delicate flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping the butter softening: It’s crucial to use very soft butter for the meltaway texture. Take your butter out of the fridge ahead of time.
• Ignoring fresh strawberries: Using stale or overripe strawberries can ruin the flavor. Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overbaking cookies: Meltaway cookies should be light and tender. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they start to turn golden around the edges.
• Neglecting cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool properly helps them set and enhances their flavor. Don’t rush this step!
• Forgetting to roll in sugar: Rolling your cookie dough in sugar adds extra sweetness and texture. Don’t skip this fun step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• 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 5-7 minutes until slightly soft.
• Microwave: Heat 10-15 seconds at a time until warm; be careful not to overdo it.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan on low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the icing?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but ensure they are thawed and drained well before using.

How do I enhance the lemon flavor?

Adding a bit more lemon juice or zest can amplify the tangy taste. Adjust according to your preference!

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?

Ensure your butter is soft but not melted when mixing. Chilling the dough before baking can also help reduce spreading.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with different fruits or flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats that will surely impress friends and family alike!