What Are Meyer Lemons Best Used For?

Meyer lemons are best used in recipes where a softer, sweeter citrus flavor is preferred. Because they’re less acidic than regular lemons, they shine in desserts like cookies, cakes, candies, and glazes. Recipes that rely heavily on zest—rather than juice—benefit the most, since Meyer lemon zest is aromatic and low in bitterness. That’s exactly why they work so well in Meyer Lemon Meltaways. The gentle citrus note enhances the buttery cookie without overpowering it. Beyond baking, Meyer lemons are also excellent in salad dressings, marinades, and beverages where a smooth citrus finish is desired.

What to Do With So Many Meyer Lemons?

If you find yourself with an abundance of Meyer lemons, preservation is key. Zesting and freezing is one of the easiest options. The zest retains its fragrance and can be used straight from the freezer in recipes like Meyer lemon meltaways. Juice can also be frozen in ice cube trays for portioned use later. Another option is making citrus sugar by rubbing zest into granulated sugar, which can then be stored and used in baking. For longer-term storage, Meyer lemons can be preserved in salt or sugar depending on whether you plan to use them for savory or sweet dishes. Batch baking and freezing cookie dough is another smart strategy, especially for meltaway-style cookies that freeze exceptionally well.

Can You Freeze Meyer Lemons Whole?

Yes, you can freeze Meyer lemons whole, and it’s a practical option if you’re short on time. Whole frozen lemons are best used for zesting and juicing after thawing. The texture of the flesh softens once frozen, so they’re not ideal for fresh slicing, but the flavor remains intact. Many bakers freeze Meyer lemons specifically to use later in recipes like Meyer lemon meltaways, where appearance doesn’t matter, but aroma and taste do. For best results, wash and dry the lemons thoroughly before freezing them in a freezer-safe bag.

What’s So Special About Meyer Lemons?

What makes Meyer lemons special is their hybrid nature. They’re believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, which explains their sweeter taste, thinner skin, and floral aroma. This unique profile makes them incredibly versatile, especially in desserts that need balance rather than sharp acidity. In delicate recipes like Meyer Lemon Meltaways, this difference is noticeable. The cookies taste smoother, less tart, and more refined than versions made with regular lemons. That subtlety is why Meyer lemons have become a favorite among home bakers and professionals alike.

Meyer Lemon Meltaways: The Softest Lemon Cookies You’ll Ever Bake

Description

Melt-in-your-mouth Meyer Lemon Meltaways are soft, buttery cookies with a delicate floral citrus flavor from fresh Meyer lemons. These bakery-worthy treats are perfect for spring gatherings, holiday gifting, or cozy afternoon teas.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons Meyer lemon zest (from 2–3 lemons)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Meyer lemon zest and optional vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Roll dough into small 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill the dough balls for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake chilled cookies for 12–14 minutes, or until bottoms are just lightly golden and tops look matte (not browned).
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Dust cooled cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Avoid using lemon juice in the dough—it can alter the texture. Zest alone gives all the flavor you need. For a festive look, roll in powdered sugar twice or drizzle with a thin Meyer lemon glaze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: meyer lemon, cookies, lemon cookies, meltaways, citrus desserts, holiday cookies