Introduction
Discover a delightful treat with our Key Lime Butter Cookies! Bursting with the zesty flavor of key limes, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Topped with a refreshing glaze, they’re ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Follow the recipe below to create your own batch of these scrumptious cookies.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons key lime juice
1 tablespoon key lime zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons key lime juice
1 teaspoon key lime zest
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Approximately 24 cookies
Enjoy baking these delightful Key Lime Butter Cookies, and savor their bright, citrusy flavor with each bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Key Lime Ingredients
Stir in 2 tablespoons of key lime juice and 1 tablespoon of key lime zest. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This will ensure even distribution of the salt in the dough.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until a cohesive dough forms, making sure not to overmix.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons key lime juice, and 1 teaspoon key lime zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 10: Drizzle the Glaze
After the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the key lime glaze over the top of each cookie, ensuring an even coating.
Step 11: Allow to Set
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving the cookies. This will help the glaze to harden slightly.
Notes
Ingredient Temperature
Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
Key Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed key lime juice will yield the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
Cookie Storage
Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Baking Time Variation
Oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, especially if it’s your first time making them.
Glaze Adjustment
Feel free to adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar or key lime juice as needed.
Cook techniques
Creaming
Creaming is the process of beating together softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light texture in baked goods.
Whisking
Whisking is an essential technique for mixing dry ingredients, such as flour and salt, to ensure even distribution and to aerate the mixture. This prevents clumping and contributes to a better texture in the final product.
Rolling Dough
Rolling cookies into balls helps create uniform shapes and sizes, which ensures even baking. Maintaining a consistent size allows for proper cooking times and helps achieve a pleasing aesthetic.
Baking
Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving the desired texture. Monitoring the cookies for a light golden edge is key, as this indicates they are baked properly while retaining a soft center.
Glazing
The glaze should be smooth and drizzle-able. Mixing powdered sugar with key lime juice and zest until well combined adds flavor and a glossy finish to the cookies, enhancing their presentation.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to adjust for the saltiness.
What can I substitute for key lime juice?
You can substitute with regular lime juice, though the flavor will be slightly different. Another option is to use lemon juice for a similar tartness.
How can I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to three months and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread if the dough is too warm or if there isn’t enough flour. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted and that you accurately measure your flour. Chilling the dough before baking can also help control spread.
Conclusion
These delightful key lime cookies offer a refreshing burst of citrus flavor balanced by the rich creaminess of butter. The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, making them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve them at your next gathering to impress your guests with their vibrant taste.
Key Lime Cheesecake
A creamy and tangy cheesecake infused with key lime juice and zest, topped with a graham cracker crust.
Key Lime Pie
A classic dessert featuring a tart filling made from key lime juice and topped with fluffy whipped cream on a buttery crust.
Key Lime Muffins
Moist muffins bursting with key lime flavor, ideal for breakfast or a snack, topped with a light glaze.
Key Lime Pound Cake
A rich and buttery pound cake infused with key lime juice and zest, perfect for dessert or as an afternoon treat.
Key Lime Energy Bites
Nutritious no-bake energy bites made with oats, coconut, and key lime zest for a zesty pick-me-up.
