Description
Key Lime Shortbread Cookies combine the buttery, crumbly texture of classic shortbread with a refreshing and tangy citrus twist from fresh key lime zest and juice. Perfectly balancing sweet and tart flavors, these cookies are light, easy to make, and ideal for any occasion, whether as a snack or a festive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- Zest of 2 fresh key limes
- 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air and fat, creating a tender, crumbly texture in the cookies.
- Add Key Lime Zest and Juice: Mix in the finely grated key lime zest and fresh key lime juice into the creamed butter mixture, infusing the dough with bright citrus flavor.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add them to the wet mixture. Stir just until the dough begins to come together to avoid developing gluten, which can toughen the cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms the butter, helping the cookies keep their shape and intensifying the flavors.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake until the edges start to turn golden, about 15-18 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent overbaking.
Notes
- Use fresh key limes for the best flavor and aroma.
- Do not skip chilling the dough to avoid spreading and maintain shape.
- Sift powdered sugar to prevent clumps and ensure smooth texture.
- Watch baking time carefully; slightly underbaking yields tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness and crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg