Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are a delightful treat that will literally melt in your mouth. Perfect for tea parties or any festive occasion, these cookies combine the refreshing flavors of strawberries and lemons. Topped with an easy strawberry icing made from fresh strawberries, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up quickly.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon creates a unique taste that’s refreshing and satisfying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a tea party, birthday celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Icing Options: Customize the icing by adjusting the sweetness or adding more lemon juice for an extra zing.
• Great for Sharing: With 20 cookies per batch, they are ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

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

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 ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer makes it easy to cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking of your cookies without warping.

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 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 Oven

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

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Beat together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add in the cornstarch, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using your hands, roll small balls of dough. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on a cooling rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

While cookies are cooling, prepare the icing:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the diced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Gradually add in powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. Add more lemon juice if needed.

Step 6: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled, drizzle or spread the strawberry icing over each cookie. Let set before serving.

Enjoy these 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 texture and refreshing flavor make them a great treat to enjoy with friends and family.

At a Tea Party

• Serve these cookies on a beautiful tiered stand for an elegant presentation. Pair with a selection of teas for a sophisticated afternoon.

As a Snack

• Enjoy these cookies with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. They make for a refreshing snack on warm days.

For Birthdays

• Use the cookies as part of your dessert table at birthday celebrations. Arrange them alongside colorful cupcakes for a festive look.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair these cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries and blueberries. This adds color and enhances the fruity flavor of the cookies.

During Spring Celebrations

• Serve at spring picnics or garden parties. Their bright flavor complements the season’s fresh blooms perfectly.

Gift Packaging

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins as thoughtful gifts for friends or neighbors. Add a personal note for a special touch.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

To achieve the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience, follow these tips for perfecting your Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies.

• Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is very soft, but not melted, to create that tender texture.
• Add more lemon juice: For an extra zing, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice used in the icing.
• Let dough chill: Refrigerating the cookie dough for about 30 minutes can help maintain shape while baking.
• Be careful with strawberries: Gently fold in diced strawberries to prevent them from breaking apart too much during mixing.
• Roll in sugar generously: Coating the cookies in sugar before baking gives them a delightful crunch and sweetness.
• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and tangy flavors.

1. Iced Tea
   A refreshing iced tea balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it an excellent pairing for hot days.

2. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and enhances the fruity taste of your cookies.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses, such as brie or cream cheese, which contrast nicely with the sweet cookies.

4. Lemonade
   Freshly squeezed lemonade echoes the flavor profile of the cookies, creating a cohesive dessert experience.

5. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delicious snack that complements the cookie’s flavors.

6. Veggie Platter
   Serve an assortment of crunchy vegetables with hummus for a savory contrast to the sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that could impact your results. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can make your cookies tough. Always use very soft butter to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch is crucial for the meltaway effect. Don’t leave it out, as it helps create that light, delicate crumb.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring.
• Ignoring fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries enhance flavor. Using frozen strawberries can alter the texture and taste of your icing.
• Overbaking: These cookies should be just set and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them in the oven to prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Freeze cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?

To make these cookies, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, salt, and flour to create the dough. Fold in diced fresh strawberries before rolling into balls and baking.

Can I customize the icing for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different fruit juices or add more lemon juice for a tangier icing. You can also adjust sweetness by varying the powdered sugar.

How long do Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or can be frozen for up to three months.

What’s the best way to serve Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?

These cookies are perfect for tea parties, casual gatherings, or as a delightful treat with coffee. Their refreshing flavor makes them an ideal summer snack!

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their soft texture combined with fresh strawberry icing offers a delightful treat that everyone will love. Experiment with different fruits or flavors to customize this recipe further—your creativity is the limit!