3.8.11 Citrus Meltaways
The weeks have been floating by in the most wonderful way possible. I feel the tug of spring with temperatures skyrocketing to 40 degrees. I can finally see peeks of grass (brown grass, but still…grass). And my favorite day of the year, Daylight Savings, is fast approaching. But as happy as I am about the reality of packing away my winter jacket shortly, it is proving to be not much more than a gentle reminder of what spring is really bringing—the arrival of a B-A-B-Y. With 11 weeks to go, the excitement is at an all time high, but the panic is starting to set in. I am a full-fledged-crazy-list-maker, who is bored without a project (or six) at all times. But early on I made a decision: to give myself a break. So if that means canceling plans, asking for help, or a little less cooking and a little more napping, then so be it, because it is keeping me sane. There were blog posts planned for the last few weeks—a few fell by the wayside of so-called naps, and a few landed in the trash. But I am ok with that.
These days when the kitchen does call, it is in the form of something sweet. I think I have mentioned before that I am normally a salt person. I don’t bat an eye at cake and can easily pass up baked goods. That deserves a good laugh right about now, because these past months, my nightly dreams of strollers and cribs are being invaded by cupcakes and ice cream. I have been buying butter and flour in bulk, and there was one day I was physically unable to leave Target without walking baaaack to the other side of the store to buy the box of cupcake mix that had been taunting me throughout the aisles. But for you, there is an upside to my madness, since I have a delicious cookie recipe to share today. It is simple, it is sweet and it has the flavors and colors of the spring that we are so desperately anticipating.
Citrus Meltaways
adapted from Martha Stewart . makes 4 1/2 dozen cookies
1 1/2 sticks (12 T) butter, brought to room temp
1 1/3 c confectioners' sugar
zest of 1 grapefruit and 1/2 lime (about 2 T)
2 T freshly citrus juice (I used grapefruit and lime)
1 T vanilla extract
1 3/4 c plus 2 T all-purpose flour
2 T cornstarch
1/4 t salt
In a food processor, combine butter, 2/3 c sugar, zest, citrus juice and vanilla. Pulse 1-2 minutes, until well combined. Add in flour, cornstarch and salt. Pulse another 1-2 minutes, until combined into a soft dough.
Place dough on a cutting board, and separate into two equal balls. Roll each into a log, 8” in length. Place each log on a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill at least 30 minutes (dough can also be frozen at this point, for later use).
Preheat oven to 350F. Return logs to the cutting board, and cut into 1/8" cookies (about 56 total). Divide cookies among two non-stick (or parchment lined) baking sheets, about 1” apart. Transfer to oven, cooking 1 sheet at a time, if necessary. Bake until barely golden, about 13-15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
Place remaining 2/3 cup sugar in a resealable plastic bag. While still warm, place cookies in sugar-filled bag. Gently toss to coat, and return to a platter to finish cooling. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Reader Comments (11)
I'm definitely a sweets person, more so than salty, so cookies call my name all the time. I love these kinds of melt in your mouth cookies, they are so addicting, you really can't stop after just one.
I am going through exactly the same thing! I was always a fan of a cornish pasty over any kind of cake, but since I've been pregnant, I'm all "bring on the chocolate!"
I'm proud of you slowing down a little bit :) These look DELICIOUS, my mouth is watering at those photos!
These are beautiful! And good for you, slowing down a little to take care of yourself and enjoy your pregnancy!
pregnancy is crazy like that. i actually lost my sweet tooth and craved cheetos like crazy. my craving for sweets has now returned, and is being tempted by these delightful cookies. they look airy and scrumptious!
One of my favorite cookies! I am also a salt person, but sometimes sweet things get the better of me. :)
These look so good! If I'm not a grapefruit person, I suppose I could use lemon or lime zest if I wanted?
Dearest sweet Erin, these look really yummie! So glad to know that you are slowing down a little. :) Thanks so much for your sweet wishes on my move. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far! Love to you!
I have always liked cookies with lemon/citrus. These look and sound perfect; few ingredients, lots of citrus taste and quick to make. Yum!
Take it as slow as possible during your last weeks before the baby. But keep them recipes coming....
I've never had citrus meltaways! Looks like you did a perfect job on them and I can just imagine them perfectly crumbling and melting when you take a bite.
Wow these look so good and the name meltaway just makes my mouth crave that soft lemony taste. Can't have grapefruit but I have a big bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter. I'm off to bake right now!