Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies will delight your taste buds with their refreshing flavor and light texture. Perfect for tea parties, picnics, or any gathering, these cookies boast a unique strawberry icing made from fresh strawberries. With their melt-in-your-mouth quality and vibrant taste, they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – The straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor – The blend of strawberries and lemon creates a refreshing treat that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a family gathering or a special event, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Icing Options – You can adjust the strawberry icing to suit your taste, adding more or less lemon as desired.
• Beautiful Presentation – The vibrant colors and unique shape make these cookies visually appealing on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience and ensure that you don’t miss any steps.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl – A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients evenly.
• Electric mixer or whisk – These tools help achieve the right consistency for the cookie dough and icing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; they help ensure each ingredient is added correctly.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, you will need the following 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)

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

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

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Very soft butter and powdered sugar; mix until creamy.
2. Add cornstarch, vanilla extract, and kosher salt; blend well.
3. Gradually add all-purpose flour until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using your hands, form small balls of dough about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on the lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Icing

In another bowl, mash diced strawberries with granulated sugar. Mix in fresh strawberry syrup, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 6: Ice the Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of icing on top of each cookie. Allow icing to set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Their light and refreshing flavor makes them a versatile treat that pairs well with many beverages and can be enjoyed at any gathering.

With Tea

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea for a calming experience. The strawberry and lemon flavors complement the subtle notes of chamomile or mint wonderfully.

At a Picnic

• Serve them as a sweet treat during your next outdoor picnic. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture is perfect for a sunny day, and they transport easily in a container.

For Dessert Buffets

• These cookies make an eye-catching addition to any dessert buffet. Arrange them on a tiered stand alongside other desserts to create a stunning display.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons. They make charming party favors for birthdays or bridal showers, leaving guests with a sweet memory of your event.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies, keep these tips in mind for perfecting your baking technique.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a lighter cookie texture.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by excess flour.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t skip the rolling sugar: Rolling the cookies in sugar before baking adds extra sweetness and a delightful crunch.
• Adjust icing consistency: If your icing is too thick, add more fresh strawberry syrup or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes that enhance their bright flavors. Here’s a list of delicious accompaniments that will elevate your dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus complements the cookie’s sweetness.
2. Lemonade: A classic pairing! Opt for freshly squeezed lemonade to highlight the tangy lemon notes in the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses such as cream cheese or goat cheese. The creaminess balances the tartness of the cookies nicely.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds richness and contrast to the light texture of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a wholesome treat that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s sweetness.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These elegant treats add an extra layer of decadence while keeping the strawberry theme alive!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies can be fun, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold butter choice: Using cold butter instead of very soft butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.

• Bold flour measurement: Not spooning the flour into your measuring cup can result in too much flour, making the cookies dry. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.

• Bold mixing technique: Overmixing the dough can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them light and melt-in-your-mouth.

• Bold cooling time: Skipping the cooling time before icing will cause the icing to melt and run off. Allow your cookies to cool completely for perfect icing results.

• Bold strawberry syrup consistency: Using too thin strawberry syrup can result in a runny icing. Adjust the syrup thickness by reducing it further if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay 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 until frozen.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag once frozen.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cookie dough.

How do I make the icing thicker?

To thicken the icing, gradually add more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency.

Can I substitute other fruits?

Absolutely! Other berries like raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully as substitutes for strawberries in this recipe.

What does melt away mean?

Melt away refers to the soft texture of these cookies that makes them dissolve pleasantly in your mouth without being chewy.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Melt Away Cookies are not only delicious but versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different fruits or flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!