Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their light, buttery texture and vibrant strawberry flavor, they are sure to impress your guests. The refreshing strawberry icing made from fresh strawberries adds a unique touch, making these cookies ideal for tea parties, picnics, or simply enjoying at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and lemon juice creates a refreshing taste that brightens up any dessert table.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events, these cookies fit right in.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The meltaway quality of these cookies ensures they dissolve on your tongue, offering a delightful experience.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with a vibrant icing, these cookies are as pretty as they are delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools. Preparing ahead will help you create these delicious cookies without any hitches.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar for that perfect texture.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and helps prevent burning.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper makes it easier to remove cookies without sticking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies:

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 Strawberry 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 and Baking Sheet

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

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the very soft butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
1. Add in the cornstarch, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix until fully combined.
2. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls.
1. Roll each ball into sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until just set but not browned.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

While the cookies cool, prepare the strawberry icing:
1. In a small bowl, mash the diced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar.
2. Whisk in fresh strawberry syrup, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 6: Ice the Cookies

Once cooled, drizzle or spread icing over each cookie generously. Allow them to set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies! They are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!

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 an ideal treat for gatherings or a quiet afternoon snack.

At a Tea Party

• Pair these cookies with a selection of fine teas to create a charming tea party atmosphere. The sweet and tangy flavors complement herbal and fruity teas beautifully.

As a Summer Snack

• Serve these cookies chilled on a warm summer day. They provide a refreshing burst of flavor, making them perfect for picnics or backyard barbecues.

With Fresh Fruit

• Accompany your cookies with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or melon slices for a vibrant fruit platter. This adds color and enhances the summery feel of the cookies.

On Dessert Platters

• Include Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies on dessert platters at celebrations. Their unique flavor will intrigue guests and add variety to traditional dessert options.

With Lemonade or Iced Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside homemade lemonade or iced tea. The drink’s acidity balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a harmonious pairing.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

To achieve the best results when baking Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is very soft but not melted. This will help create that melt-in-your-mouth texture you desire.
• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar. Too much flour can make your cookies dense instead of light and airy.
• Chill the dough: If your cookie dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This ensures they hold their shape while baking.
• Don’t skip the rolling sugar: Rolling the cookies in sugar before baking gives them a delightful crunch and enhances their sweet appearance.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies can be paired with various side dishes to enhance your dessert experience. Here’s a list of delightful accompaniments.

1. Fruit Salad
   A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits complements the flavors of the cookies while adding freshness to your plate.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh strawberries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with the lightness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, creating an interesting flavor profile.
4. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy delights made from shredded coconut offer a different texture while still being sweet enough to pair well with your cookies.
5. Lemon Sorbet
   A refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet can enhance the lemon flavor in your cookies and provide a cool treat on warm days.
6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   This classic combination adds indulgence without overpowering the delicate flavors of your meltaway cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies is a joy, but some common mistakes can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugar, which can lead to dense cookies. Always use very soft butter for the best texture.
• Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s key to the meltaway effect!
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring the strawberry syrup: Fresh strawberry syrup adds flavor and moisture. Make sure to prepare this ahead of time to enhance the cookies.
• Overbaking the cookies: These cookies should be soft when you take them out of the oven. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they are slightly golden around the edges.
• Not letting the cookies cool properly: Allowing cookies to cool completely before adding icing is essential. This prevents the icing from melting and losing its shape.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a nonstick skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

How do I achieve a stronger lemon flavor in my cookies?

You can add additional lemon juice or lemon zest into the dough for an enhanced citrus flavor without compromising texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cornstarch?

You may replace cornstarch with equal parts arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour, but this may slightly alter the texture.

How do I customize my Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies?

Feel free to add different extracts like almond or citrus zest, or mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness!

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are delightful and versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Their light and refreshing flavors paired with smooth strawberry icing make them irresistible! Feel free to customize them with different fruits or flavors based on your preferences—enjoy baking!