Name: Melting Moments Cookies with Lemon and Passionfruit Frostings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 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; 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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 52 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth craving something wonderfully delicate and bursting with fresh, unique flavors, this Melting Moments Cookies with Lemon and Passionfruit Frostings Recipe is an absolute delight to try. These buttery, tender cookies dissolve gently on the tongue, complemented by vibrant, tangy lemon and passionfruit frostings that add a zingy brightness perfect for any occasion. Every bite offers a lovely balance of melt-in-your-mouth texture with luscious tropical vibrance that feels like a little celebration in your mouth. It’s truly one of those recipes that once you make it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each with different baking ingredients. The top left bowl contains a small amount of light golden liquid. To the right, there is a small bowl filled with white powder, and further right, a larger bowl filled with a fine white powder. Below these, a large bowl contains off-white flour, and next to it on the right, a medium bowl has two thick square pieces of yellow butter. A small bowl with a white powder is also included near the middle top. The setup is neat and bright with clear separation between each bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient here is simple, familiar, but plays a crucial role in making these cookies unbelievably soft and flavorful. From the pure richness of unsalted butter to the bright zest and juice that awaken the frostings, the components combine for a harmonious, unforgettable treat.

250g unsalted butter, softened: The foundation for the cookies’ rich, tender crumb, softened butter creams beautifully with sugar.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
1/2 cup soft icing sugar, sifted: Ensures smooth sweetness in the cookie base without gritty texture.
1 1/2 cups plain flour: Provides structure while keeping cookies light.
1/2 cup cornflour: The secret ingredient for the spectacular melt-away texture.
100g unsalted butter, softened: Key for the lemon frosting’s rich creaminess.
2 cups soft icing sugar, sifted (for lemon frosting): Sweetens the frosting finely for luscious piping.
2 tsp lemon zest: Delivers fresh, aromatic citrus notes to brighten the frosting.
1 tsp lemon juice: Balances sweetness with zingy acidity in the lemon frosting.
80g unsalted butter, softened: Creates the creamy base of the passionfruit frosting.
2 cups soft icing sugar, sifted (for passionfruit frosting): Delicately sweetens without overpowering the fruit flavor.
4 tbsp fresh passionfruit pulp: Freshness and tropical juice for that unforgettable passionfruit kick.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweet-tart passionfruit frosting.

How to Make Melting Moments Cookies with Lemon and Passionfruit Frostings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Trays

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C if using a fan-forced oven. Line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple setup lays the groundwork for flawless cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a bowl and mixer or sturdy spoon, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and half a cup of sifted icing sugar together. Begin mixing slowly to avoid an icing sugar dust cloud and then increase speed to achieve a smooth, fluffy consistency. This is key to the cookies’ tender texture and even sweetness.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Next, combine the plain flour and cornflour, then add them in three portions to the creamed butter mixture, folding gently each time with a rubber spatula. This slow incorporation keeps the dough light and ensures all flour is well mixed without overworking the dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto your trays. Lightly flour your hands to roll each scoop into a smooth ball, aiming for 24 to 28 small rounds. This step sets the cookie size for even baking and ultimate “melting” feel later.

Step 5: Flatten and Bake

Gently press each dough ball down with the back of a fork until about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick. Bake in the center of the oven for 15 minutes, swapping trays halfway through to ensure even coloring. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool fully on the trays before handling.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat 100g softened butter with 2 cups sifted icing sugar. Add lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon juice before continuing to beat until fluffy and bright. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 1 cm hole for easy sandwich cookie assembly.

Step 7: Make the Passionfruit Frosting

Repeat the same method as the lemon frosting, this time using 80g softened butter, 2 cups sifted icing sugar, 4 tablespoons fresh passionfruit pulp, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. The passionfruit frosting is vibrant and beautifully tropical.

Step 8: Assemble the Cookies

Pipe either the lemon or passionfruit frosting generously onto half of the cooled cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwich cookies. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set firmly so it won’t squish out when you bite.

How to Serve Melting Moments Cookies with Lemon and Passionfruit Frostings Recipe

The image shows two stacked yellow sandwich cookies with smooth, rounded tops and a lightly textured pattern on the surface. Each cookie sandwich has a thick layer of creamy white filling studded with small black seeds, positioned in the middle between the cookies. To the left of the stack, there is a halved passion fruit with deep purple skin and bright orange juicy pulp with seeds spilling onto a wooden surface. The background is softly blurred and neutral in tone. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of extra icing sugar right before serving adds a sweet snowy effect that enhances the delicate look. For a fresh touch, add thin lemon zest curls or tiny passionfruit seeds on top of the frosting for visual appeal and an unexpected pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are splendid alongside a cup of fragrant Earl Grey tea or a citrusy herbal infusion — the drinks beautifully balance the cookie’s richness. For brunch or dessert tables, pair with fresh berries or a platter of tropical fruits to echo the frostings’ vibrant notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these delightful sandwiches on a rustic wooden board nestled on crumpled parchment paper for a casual sweet treat feel. For events or parties, package a few in cellophane with a ribbon, creating pretty edible favors that friends will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies air-tight in a container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their perfect texture. After that, the cookies may lose some of their freshness but still taste delicious if eaten soon.

Freezing

You can freeze the unassembled cookies in a zipped bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze frosting separately in airtight containers. Thaw both at room temperature before assembly for the freshest ever melting moments experience.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed cool, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to soften the buttercream slightly, let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring the frostings to the perfect creamy softness.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its bright and natural flavor that lifts the frosting perfectly. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but might lack the fresh zestiness which truly makes the frosting sing.

What if I don’t have cornflour? Can I substitute it?

Cornflour is what gives these cookies their signature tender and crumbly texture. You can substitute with potato starch if available, but regular flour alone won’t give the same melt-in-mouth effect.

How do I avoid the icing sugar creating clouds when mixing?

Start beating on low speed and gradually increase it. Also, always sift your icing sugar before use to break up lumps. This helps prevent that inevitable sugar dust storm when creaming butter and sugar.

Why do I need to refrigerate the cookies after assembling?

The frosting is soft when freshly piped, and refrigeration firms it up to prevent it from squishing out when you bite or try to handle the cookies. It also helps the cookies sandwich nicely without collapse.

Can I make the frostings in advance?

Absolutely! Both frostings store well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and give a quick beat before piping for perfect texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making the Melting Moments Cookies with Lemon and Passionfruit Frostings Recipe is like gifting yourself a moment of pure joy filled with buttery softness and fruity freshness. They’re surprisingly easy to make yet deliver such an impressive taste and texture that everyone will ask for seconds. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch how these cookies become the star of your next gathering or a treasured homemade treat for quiet moments.