Buttery and Tart Lime Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Buttery and Tart Lime Shortbread Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats bursting with fresh lime zest and juice, offering a perfect balance of rich butteriness and bright citrus tang. Coated in a fine dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are an elegant yet simple dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 340 g unbleached all-purpose flour (plus 2 tablespoons)
- 114 g granulated sugar
- 10 g fresh lime zest (about 5 teaspoons)
- 227 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 30 ml fresh lime juice (about 2 tablespoons)
For Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- Cream the Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lime zest until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Lime Juice and Salt: Mix in the fresh lime juice and kosher salt thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, enhancing the tart flavor of the cookies.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the unbleached all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, stirring gently until the dough comes together in cohesive clumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal logs. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier slicing.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or, if using a pressure cooker with a bake setting, set it accordingly. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Arrange: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the oven or pressure cooker for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool on Tray: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Toss in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, gently toss the cookies in sifted powdered sugar to coat, adding a delicate sweetness and classic appearance.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Allow cookies to cool completely on the wire rack, then dust or coat them again with powdered sugar for an extra layer of sweetness before serving.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage, maintaining freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Use fresh lime zest and juice for the best vibrant flavor.
- Make sure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Cookies are best enjoyed within 3-5 days but can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- If you don’t have a pressure cooker with a bake setting, a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) works perfectly.
Keywords: lime shortbread cookies, lime zest cookies, tart lime cookies, buttery shortbread, citrus cookies, easy cookie recipe