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Key Lime Cookies

These cookies feature a crisp exterior and tender interior, flavored with fresh key lime zest and juice. They are made by mixing a buttery dough, rolling it out, and baking until golden with bright, citrusy aroma releasing as they bake, resulting in a vibrant, lightly sweet treat with a hint of tang.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 2 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons key lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie cutters or knife

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, with a pale color and the sound of gentle whisks.
  2. Add the egg, lime zest, and lime juice to the butter mixture, then whisk until combined and smooth, releasing a bright citrus aroma.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. The dough should come together into a cohesive ball.
  5. Divide the dough in half, then wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
  7. Cut out cookies using a cookie cutter or a knife, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and fragrant with citrus aroma.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, the edges should be crisp and the centers tender.
  10. Once cooled, enjoy these bright, citrus-flavored cookies with a perfect balance of crunch and tender crumb.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of additional lime zest on top before baking. These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week.