Description
These Key Lime Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, infused with fresh key lime zest and juice for a tangy citrus flavor. Soft, tender, and lightly glazed with a sweet and tart icing, they’re perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Challenge Salted Butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Icing
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then mix in the egg thoroughly to combine. Stir in the zest of 2 key limes to infuse the dough with citrus aroma.
- Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Add ½ cup of the flour along with the baking powder and salt to the butter mixture and stir until incorporated. Continue adding the remaining flour in ½ cup increments, mixing after each addition until all 2 cups of flour are fully blended into the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, measure out portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then slightly flatten it with your palm. Place each flattened dough ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly apart.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes until the centers are just set. The cookies should stay light in color and not brown. After removing from the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime juice, ⅛ tsp salt, and heavy cream until the icing is smooth and glossy.
- Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are cool, dip the tops into the glaze by turning them upside down in the icing and gently lifting them out. Turn them over right side up and return to the cooling rack or parchment-lined sheet to let the icing set and dry.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain pale and tender.
- The lime zest and juice provide the key citrus flavor; fresh key limes are best but regular limes can be substituted.
- If glaze is too thick, add a little more cream or lime juice to thin it.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
