Description
Key Lime Shortbread Cookies are crisp, buttery cookies bursting with fresh key lime juice and zest, offering a perfect balance of rich and tangy flavors. Simple to make with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, these cookies are ideal for any occasion—from casual snacking to elegant gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: Cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then add the fresh key lime juice and zest, blending thoroughly to infuse vibrant citrus flavor into the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour and salt just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the delicate crumb structure. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm the butter and make the dough easier to handle and roll out, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
- Shaping the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room for slight spreading.
- Baking: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This slow baking produces crisp cookies without over-browning.
- Optional Decoration: Once completely cooled, dust cookies with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lime glaze for extra zing and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for better creaming and lighter dough texture.
- Do not skip chilling the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookies thick.
- Use freshly squeezed key lime juice and zest for authentic vibrant flavor.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling to avoid dense cookies.
- Watch baking time carefully to prevent overbaking and drying out the cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Key lime cookies, shortbread cookies, citrus cookies, lime dessert, buttery cookies, easy cookies