Description
Delightfully zesty and tender Key Lime Cookies made with fresh key lime zest and juice, finished with a tangy lime glaze. These soft cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors, ideal for a refreshing dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
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 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Icing
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until well incorporated. Stir in the zest of two key limes to infuse the batter with fresh citrus flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix: Gradually add ½ cup of flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Continue adding the remaining flour ½ cup at a time, mixing thoroughly until all 2 cups are incorporated into a smooth cookie dough.
- Shape cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball lightly with your hands to smooth, then flatten slightly with your palm. Place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes or until the centers are just set and the edges appear firm. The cookies should stay light in color and not brown. After baking, allow them to rest on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare lime glaze icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, salt, and heavy cream until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip the top of each cookie into the lime glaze. Turn the cookie upside down to coat, then gently lift and flip it over to rest on the cooling rack or parchment paper. Let the glaze dry before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh key limes for the best authentic flavor; regular limes can be substituted but the taste will differ slightly.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming consistency.
- Do not overbake cookies; they should remain pale and soft.
- Allow glaze to dry completely before stacking cookies to prevent sticking.
- Heavy cream adds richness to the glaze, but milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Key Lime Cookies, citrus cookies, lime glaze, soft cookies, summer dessert, lime zest cookies
