Bursting with zesty lime flavor and a delicate crumb, Key Lime Cookies are a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Join us in the kitchen as we bake up a batch of these tangy treats that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon key lime zest (from about 4-5 key limes)
– 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
– 1 teaspoon key lime zest
For Garnishing:
– Additional key lime zest for sprinkling
– Optional: lime slices or wedges for decoration
Cooking Process:
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 2. Beat in the egg until well combined, then add the key lime zest and fresh key lime juice, mixing until incorporated.
- 3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- 3. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- 4. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- 5. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Making the Glaze
- 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh key lime juice, and key lime zest until smooth and well combined.
- 2. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon or piping bag.
- 3. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
For Garnishing:
1. Sprinkle additional key lime zest over the glazed cookies for a pop of color and extra citrus flavor.
2. For a decorative touch, garnish each cookie with a small slice or wedge of fresh lime.
Notes and Helpful Tips:
1. Key lime substitution: If key limes are not available, you can use regular limes as a substitute. However, keep in mind that key limes have a more intense and tart flavor, so you may need to adjust the amount of zest and juice accordingly.
2. Softened butter: Make sure the butter is properly softened at room temperature for easy mixing. If you forget to soften the butter ahead of time, you can gently microwave it in short intervals until softened, but be cautious not to melt it.
3. Chilling the dough: For cookies with a slightly thicker texture, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
4. Storage: Store the key lime cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 1 month and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
5. Experiment with texture: For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake them for an extra minute or two until golden brown.
Create Key Lime Cookies that are bursting with tangy citrus flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.