Melting Moments with Lemon and Passionfruit Icing Recipe

Introduction

Melting Moments are delicate, buttery cookies that simply melt in your mouth. Paired with zesty lemon or fresh passionfruit icing, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. This recipe will guide you through making these delightful sandwiches from scratch.

Ingredients

• 250g (2 sticks + 1 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened (Note 1)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup soft icing sugar / powdered sugar, sifted (not PURE icing sugar, Note 2)
• 1 1/2 cups plain / all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornflour / cornstarch
• 100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for lemon icing)
• 2 cups soft icing sugar / powdered sugar, sifted (not PURE icing sugar, Note 2) (for lemon icing)
• 2 tsp lemon zest (for lemon icing)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (for lemon icing)
• 80g / 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for passionfruit icing)
• 2 cups soft icing sugar / powdered sugar, sifted (not PURE icing sugar, Note 2) (for passionfruit icing)
• 4 tbsp fresh passionfruit pulp (not canned, too sweet) (for passionfruit icing)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for passionfruit icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced). Line 2 trays with baking paper.
2. Step 2: Cream butter, vanilla, and icing sugar in a bowl. Beat for 1 minute until smooth and fluffy, starting on low speed to avoid sugar dust.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cornflour and flour in three additions using a rubber spatula, mixing well each time.
4. Step 4: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough onto the trays, then roll into balls with lightly floured hands to prevent sticking. You should have 24 to 28 balls.
5. Step 5: Press each ball down to about 1 cm (0.4″) thickness using a fork. Bake for 15 minutes, swapping trays at the 10-minute mark. Cool completely on trays.
6. Step 6: Prepare your choice of icing (see below). Pipe frosting onto half the cooled cookies, then sandwich with remaining cookies.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the sandwiches for 1 hour to set the frosting. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
8. Step 8: Lemon Icing: Beat 100g softened butter until fluffy (about 1 minute). Gradually add 2 cups icing sugar in three parts, beating from low to high speed to avoid dust. Add 2 tsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon juice, then beat on high for 2 minutes. Transfer to a piping bag with a 1 cm (½”) opening.
9. Step 9: Passionfruit Icing: Follow the same method as lemon icing using 80g softened butter, 2 cups icing sugar, 4 tbsp fresh passionfruit pulp, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Tips & Variations

• Use soft icing sugar that is not pure powdered sugar for the best texture and sweetness balance.
• For easier handling, chill the dough for 15 minutes before scooping to reduce stickiness.
• You can swap lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
• Try using passionfruit seeds in the icing for added texture and visual appeal.

Storage

Store the finished Melting Moments sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting soften slightly. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies without frosting for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your cookies and icing. If you only have salted butter, reduce any additional salt in the recipe, if any, and be aware the taste may be slightly different.

Why should I avoid using pure powdered sugar for icing?

Pure powdered sugar can be too sweet and affect the texture of the frosting. Using soft icing sugar that contains a small amount of cornstarch helps create a smoother, less sweet, and more stable icing.

Melting Moments with Lemon and Passionfruit Icing Recipe

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4.7 from 52 reviews

Melting Moments are delicate, buttery cookies sandwiched with a luscious lemon or passionfruit frosting. These soft, crumbly treats melt in your mouth, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 24–28 sandwich cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 250g (2 sticks + 1 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup soft icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted (not PURE icing sugar)
• 1 1/2 cups plain / all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornflour (cornstarch)

Lemon Frosting

• 100g / 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups soft icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted (not PURE icing sugar)
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Passionfruit Frosting

• 80g / 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups soft icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted (not PURE icing sugar)
• 4 tbsp fresh passionfruit pulp (not canned, too sweet)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C fan-forced. Line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar – In a bowl, combine 250g softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup sifted icing sugar. Beat with an electric mixer for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
3. Add Dry Ingredients – Gradually stir in the flour and cornflour in three additions using a rubber spatula. This ensures even mixing and a smooth dough texture.
4. Form Dough Balls – Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared trays to make 24-28 balls. Roll each ball with lightly floured hands to prevent sticking.
5. Shape Cookies – Flatten each ball to about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thickness by pressing down gently with a fork on each cookie.
6. Bake – Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, swapping the baking trays after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays.
7. Prepare Lemon Frosting – Beat 100g softened butter in a bowl on medium-high for 1 minute until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups sifted icing sugar in thirds, beating well after each addition to avoid sugar clouds. Add lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon juice, then beat on high for 2 minutes until fluffy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 1 cm hole.
8. Prepare Passionfruit Frosting – Using the same method as lemon frosting, beat 80g softened butter and gradually add 2 cups sifted icing sugar. Mix in 4 tbsp fresh passionfruit pulp and 1 tbsp lemon juice until fluffy.
9. Assemble Sandwich Cookies – Pipe frosting onto half of the cooled cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
10. Set the Filling – Refrigerate the assembled sandwich cookies for 1 hour to allow the frosting to firm up and prevent it from oozing out. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Notes

• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and enhance buttery flavor.
• Do not use pure icing sugar; sifted soft icing sugar or powdered sugar provides the correct texture.
• Fresh passionfruit pulp is recommended over canned to avoid excessive sweetness.
• Refrigeration is crucial for the frosting to set properly, preventing it from being too soft and messy.
• Lightly flour hands when rolling dough balls to prevent sticking.

Keywords: melting moments, sandwich cookies, lemon frosting, passionfruit frosting, buttery cookies, soft cookies, tea time treats