Lemon Meltaways: Your New Favorite Cookie for Spring and Summer

These Lemon Meltaways are here to satisfy your sweet tooth with their delicate, buttery texture and tangy lemon flavor—all while keeping SmartPoints in check. Perfect for afternoon tea, a post-dinner treat, or a cheerful addition to your cookie jar, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies prove that indulgence and wellness can go hand in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low SmartPoints: Each cookie is just 1-2 WW Points (depending on ingredients), making it easy to enjoy without guilt.
• Burst of Citrus: Fresh lemon zest and juice create a refreshing, vibrant flavor.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and baking time.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting to friends.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Bake a batch ahead and store for guilt-free snacking all week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for the signature meltaway texture)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup light butter (or plant-based butter for a vegan option)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (to reduce fat without sacrificing moisture)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Prep the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat light butter, powdered sugar, and applesauce until smooth. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape & Chill

1. Roll the dough into a 1.5-inch log (about 12 inches long) and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 20 minutes) until firm.

Slice & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unwrap the dough log and slice into 24 even rounds (about 1/4-inch thick).
3. Arrange cookies on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Dust & Serve

1. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Per cookie)

• Calories: ~45
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• WW SmartPoints: ~1-2 (calculated using light butter and applesauce).

Tips for Success

1. Chill Thoroughly: Firm dough ensures clean slices and prevents spreading.
2. Zest Smartly: Use organic lemons for zest to avoid bitterness from pesticides.
3. Go Sugar-Free: Substitute powdered sugar with a WW-friendly alternative like Swerve for zero points.
4. Add Glaze: Mix lemon juice with powdered sugar for a tangy glaze (add 0.5 points per cookie).

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

Traditional lemon meltaways are loaded with butter and sugar, but this version slashes points by:

• Using light butter and applesauce to cut fat.
• Keeping portions small but satisfying.
• Enhancing flavor with fresh lemon instead of sugary additives.

Serving Ideas

• With Tea or Coffee: Pair with herbal tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Dessert Platter: Serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt.
• Holiday Gifts: Package in a cute tin with a Weight Watchers-friendly note.

Lemon Meltaways are the ultimate proof that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for fitness. These zesty, crumbly cookies deliver a burst of sunshine in every bite, perfect for staying on track during celebrations, busy days, or whenever a sweet craving strikes. Whip up a batch today and savor the joy of guilt-free indulgence!