These Key Lime Cookies are easy to make with the perfect sweet-tart flavor combination. Soft, buttery cookies that taste like fresh key limes and dusted with just a light coating of sugar are the perfect snack and after-school treat.
¼cupkey lime juice(I used Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice)
6teaspoonslime zest,finely grated, divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl of your electric mixer, beat butter with granulated sugar and 1 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Continue to beat while adding eggs and extracts.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt.
Add to the butter-sugar mixture, alternately with key lime juice and 4 teaspoons of zest, at low speed until well mixed.
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, place cookie balls 1" apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 16 minutes or until the bottoms are just starting to turn a light brown. DO NOT OVERBAKE!
While cookies are baking, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with the remaining 2 teaspoons lime zest in a large gallon-sized plastic bag. Rub the two together to impart some of the key lime flavor to the sugar.
Remove cookies from the oven and let cool about 3-4 minutes on baking sheets. Remove carefully then place several at a time in the plastic bag containing powdered sugar mixture and gently toss. Shake excess off then place on wire racks and allow to cool completely.
Store in airtight container.
Notes
Variations
Add 4 teaspoons of basil to the cookie dough and cook as directed. The basil imparts a nice herbal flavor that complements the zesty key lime.
Love chocolate? Go ahead and add ¾ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter. It makes these buttery cookies even more indulgent. Or just drizzle it on the top!
Love even more lime flavor? Add a lime glaze by mixing ¾ cup powdered sugar with 3 Tablespoons of key lime juice. Drizzle on cooled cookies then sprinkle a little extra zest on top.
Love any citrus-flavored cookies? Try this same recipe replacing the lime juice and zest with either lemons or oranges.