Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant strawberry icing will impress guests at tea parties, birthdays, or simply as a delightful afternoon snack. Plus, they’re easy to make, which is always a bonus!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are soft and buttery, creating a delightful experience with every bite.
• Fresh and fruity flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and lemon juice gives these cookies a refreshing taste that’s perfect for warm days.
• Versatile for all occasions: Whether it’s a fancy tea party or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious treats.
• Beautiful presentation: The bright pink strawberry icing makes these cookies visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring your cookies cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess or hassle.

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)
• ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Strawberry 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 and Baking Sheet

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

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the very soft butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add in the cornstarch, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined.
• Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

• Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough. Roll each piece into a ball and then roll in sugar before placing on the prepared baking sheet.
• Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Icing

• In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, fresh strawberry syrup, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
• Adjust consistency by adding more strawberry syrup or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 6: Ice the Cookies

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

Enjoy your deliciously sweet Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

At a Tea Party

• Serve these cookies on elegant china alongside an assortment of teas for a charming afternoon gathering.

As a Gift

• Pack these cookies in a decorative box with a ribbon for a thoughtful gift that is sure to impress friends and family.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to enhance the fruity flavors and add a refreshing touch.

With Iced Tea or Lemonade

• Enjoy these meltaway cookies with a glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade for the ultimate summer treat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

To achieve the best results when making Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies, here are some helpful tips.

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is very soft, as this helps create the melt-in-your-mouth texture you desire.

• Measure precisely: Accurate measurements of flour and cornstarch are crucial for achieving the right cookie consistency.

• Don’t skip chilling: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will help them hold their shape during baking.

• Roll in sugar generously: Coat your cookies in cane sugar before baking to add a delightful crunch and sweetness to each bite.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

Pairing your Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses that contrast nicely with the sweet strawberry flavor, creating a well-rounded snack table.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and sliced strawberries for a creamy, crunchy companion that feels indulgent yet light.

4. Iced Tea: Brewed herbal or green iced teas provide a refreshing drink option that pairs beautifully with sweet cookies.

5. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet complements the strawberry flavors while providing a cool contrast to the warm cookies.

6. Mini Sandwiches: Serve small sandwiches filled with cucumber or cream cheese to balance out the sweetness and add savory elements to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies is a joy, but some common pitfalls can hinder your success. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold butter – Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, leading to cookies that don’t melt in your mouth. Always use very soft butter for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Using too much or too little flour can affect the consistency of your dough. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
• Skipping fresh strawberries – Dried or frozen strawberries won’t provide the same flavor or moisture. Always opt for fresh strawberries for this recipe.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones. Mix just until combined to keep them light and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Neglecting chilling time – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Allow enough time for the dough to chill before rolling and baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on high for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I ensure my Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are soft?

To maintain softness, be sure not to overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! You can use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a delicious twist on these melt away cookies.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If you find your dough is sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.

How can I make these cookies more lemony?

To enhance the lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice or zest from one lemon before mixing in the dry ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their soft texture and vibrant flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste!