Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from tea parties to casual get-togethers. With their light and buttery texture, these cookies offer a refreshing burst of strawberry and lemon flavors that will surely impress your guests. The unique feature of this recipe lies in the easy-to-make strawberry icing made from fresh strawberries, making these cookies not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The combination of soft butter and cornstarch creates a delicate cookie that virtually melts in your mouth.
• Fresh fruit flavor: Using fresh strawberries and lemon juice adds a vibrant taste, making each bite refreshing.
• Simple preparation: This recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few steps and common kitchen ingredients.
• Versatile for occasions: These cookies are suitable for various events, from sophisticated tea parties to casual family gatherings.
• Impressive presentation: The strawberry icing makes these cookies visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, gather the right tools to ensure success. Having the proper equipment will help streamline the process and improve your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Different sizes allow you to mix ingredients without mess; larger bowls are essential for combining wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth texture for your cookies.

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: Prepare Your Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt. Set aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the very soft butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Add vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in cane sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges. Remove from oven and let cool before icing.

Step 9: Prepare Icing

In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar, fresh strawberry syrup, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more syrup or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 10: Ice Cookies

Once cookies are cooled down completely, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie. Allow icing to set before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies!

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 treating yourself, serving these cookies can be both fun and creative.

Tea Party Delight

• Pair with fresh brewed tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Serve alongside finger sandwiches for a classic tea party vibe.

Celebration Treats

• Present on a decorative platter at birthday parties or celebrations.
• Add a garnish of fresh strawberries for an eye-catching display.

Dessert Buffet

• Include in a dessert buffet alongside other cookies and pastries.
• Provide small tags for each cookie type to make it interactive.

Gift Giving

• Pack in a decorative tin as a sweet gift for friends and family.
• Include a handwritten note to add a personal touch.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

To ensure your Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use very soft butter: This helps create the meltaway texture that makes these cookies so special.
• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting before mixing will prevent clumps and ensure smooth icing.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and cornstarch to avoid overly dense cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Bake until just set; they should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies can enhance the overall experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweet lemon flavor of the cookies beautifully.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to balance the flavors of the cookies.
4. Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea provides a soothing beverage option that pairs well with the citrus notes in the cookies.
5. Mini Quiches: These savory bites provide a delicious contrast, making them great companions at brunches or gatherings.
6. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: A crunchy, healthy option that adds variety while keeping things light and fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect your cookie’s texture and flavor.

• Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mix until just combined for the best results.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can result in spreading cookies. Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain their shape.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Guessing measurements can throw off the balance, affecting taste and texture. Use precise measuring tools for best results.
• Using Unripe Strawberries: Unripe strawberries lack flavor and sweetness. Always choose ripe, juicy strawberries for your frosting and batter.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate readings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag.
• Frozen cookies can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?

Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are soft, buttery cookies infused with strawberry flavor and topped with a delicious strawberry icing. They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any occasion.

How do I make Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?

To make these cookies, cream together butter and powdered sugar, mix in cornstarch, flour, vanilla, salt, and diced strawberries. Shape into balls, roll in sugar, bake, and then top with the strawberry icing.

Can I customize the flavors of these cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different fruits like raspberries or blueberries or try different citrus juices instead of lemon for unique flavors.

How should I store leftover cookies?

After baking, store leftover Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile! Perfect for tea parties or casual gatherings, they can be customized with various fruits or flavors. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to create these tasty treats!