These Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies are an irresistible combination of soft, buttery cookies with a tangy strawberry lemonade icing that will literally melt in your mouth. The delicate texture of the cookies paired with the fresh strawberry icing makes them the perfect summer treat, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet dessert or something to brighten up your afternoon tea, these cookies deliver a delightful burst of flavor.

Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The soft, meltaway texture of these cookies is what sets them apart. The addition of cornstarch creates a tender, crumbly cookie that literally melts on your tongue. The homemade strawberry syrup used in the icing adds a fresh, fruity kick, while the lemon juice gives a zesty brightness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberry. With minimal ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, this is a dessert that will be the star of any gathering.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

1 cup very soft butter (salted)
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Sugar for rolling (cane sugar preferred)

For the strawberry syrup:

¾ cup diced fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the strawberry lemonade icing:

2–2 ½ tablespoons fresh strawberry syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (more if needed)
1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place one rack in the upper third of the oven to prevent the cookies from browning too quickly on the bottom. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the butter for 20-30 seconds until light and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir until completely combined and smooth.
Gradually add the flour. The dough will initially be crumbly, but keep mixing until it comes together. If it feels too soft to roll into balls, add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir. If needed, refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to firm it up.
Use a small cookie scoop to form dough balls. Roll each ball in cane sugar to make them easier to shape, then roll again to get a nice round shape.
Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass to about ½ inch in height.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they just begin to turn light golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup

While the cookies are baking, make the strawberry syrup. Combine diced strawberries and granulated sugar in a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute. Stir and transfer it to a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Press the solids with a spatula to extract the juice.
Return the syrup to the microwave and cook on high for another minute or until reduced to about 2-2½ tablespoons. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Icing

In a bowl, combine the cooled strawberry syrup with fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract.
Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the icing generously on top of each cookie.

Variations

Add zest: For an extra punch of citrus flavor, add some lemon zest to the cookie dough or the icing.
Use other fruits: While strawberry lemonade is the star of this recipe, you can swap fresh strawberries with other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a different twist.
Top with sprinkles: Add some colored sprinkles on top of the icing for a festive look.

Storage and Serving

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag or container for up to 2 months. Add the icing after thawing.
Serving suggestions: Serve these cookies with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a perfect summer treat.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Lemonade Meltaway Cookies are the ultimate combination of soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and a fresh, tangy icing. With their easy-to-follow recipe and refreshing flavors, they are sure to become a favorite for all your gatherings or just for a special treat at home. They bring the sweetness of summer and the freshness of fruit together in a way that will leave everyone wanting more!