Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delicious Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Their soft, buttery texture and vibrant strawberry icing will make them a favorite at tea parties, picnics, or just as a delightful snack at home. Easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The combination of butter and cornstarch creates an incredibly soft cookie that practically dissolves when you take a bite.
• Bursting with flavor: Fresh strawberries and lemon juice add a refreshing zing that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Versatile for occasions: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal tea party, these cookies elevate any event.
• Simple ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up without any complicated preparations.
• Fun for all ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy helping out in the kitchen, making it a great baking project for families.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients easily without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool speeds up the creaming process, ensuring your butter is light and fluffy, which is crucial for melt-in-your-mouth textures.

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)

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: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the cornstarch, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and flour. Mix until combined but do not over-mix.
3. Fold in the diced strawberries gently into the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands.
2. Roll each ball into cane sugar to coat it lightly before placing it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 5: Cool & Ice

Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack completely before icing them with your strawberry glaze made from fresh strawberries mixed with powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their light, buttery texture and refreshing flavor make them a hit at gatherings, parties, or even casual get-togethers. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside a platter of mixed fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for a vibrant presentation.

At Tea Parties

• Pair these cookies with a selection of herbal teas to complement their sweet and tangy flavors. Guests will love the combination!

On Dessert Tables

• Include them in your dessert spread at celebrations. Their eye-catching pink icing adds a pop of color to any table.

As Gifts

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes or jars for thoughtful gifts. They’re sure to impress friends and family.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet on the side for an indulgent treat that balances sweetness with creaminess.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use very soft butter: Allow your butter to sit at room temperature until it’s extremely soft. This helps create a tender texture.

• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the dough ensures a smoother cookie and icing consistency.

• Measure carefully: Use measuring cups and spoons accurately for ingredients like flour and cornstarch. This prevents dry or dense cookies.

• Chill dough if necessary: If your dough feels too soft after mixing, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be set but still slightly soft when you take them out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies can enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that complements the citrus notes in the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for added savory contrast.

4. Lemonade: Serve chilled lemonade as a drink option to match the strawberry lemon theme beautifully.

5. Mini Sandwiches: Light cucumber or chicken salad sandwiches provide a savory bite that pairs well with sweet cookies.

6. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats add a touch of decadence and are visually appealing next to the meltaway cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to tough cookies. Make sure your butter is very soft to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping chilling time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much when baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Ignoring the strawberry syrup: Using too little syrup can dull the flavor. Adjust the syrup based on your taste preference for a more vibrant strawberry flavor.
• Overbaking: Baking for too long will result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be just set and slightly golden at the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
• Once frozen, transfer them to 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 about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies different?

Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are unique because they combine bright strawberry and lemon flavors with a delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should look set but not overly golden. The center may look slightly underbaked but will firm as they cool.

Can I customize these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add lemon zest for extra zing or substitute with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from tea parties to casual get-togethers. Their delightful flavor and light texture make them a versatile treat that everyone will love. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings to make this recipe your own!