Buttery Lime Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Buttery Lime Shortbread Cookies combine tender, crumbly texture with a bright citrus glaze for a refreshing twist on a classic treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert, their subtle lime flavor makes them irresistibly delightful.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, about 70°F)
- 2.5 tsp key lime zest (finely grated for best flavor and aroma)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
- 5 tbsp key lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the finely grated key lime zest and beat for another 30 seconds to evenly distribute the zest.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir until just combined to form a slightly crumbly dough. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and shape it into a 12-inch long log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper while the dough chills.
- Step 5: Remove the chilled dough and slice it into ¼-inch thick pieces with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts. Place the slices on the prepared pans about 1 inch apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The edges should be golden brown while centers remain pale. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: While cookies cool, whisk together sifted powdered sugar and fresh key lime juice until smooth. Adjust consistency to thick paint by adding lime juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Step 8: Spread or drizzle the lime glaze evenly over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra zing, add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh mint to the dough.
- Use Meyer lemons instead of key limes for a sweeter citrus note.
- Freeze dough logs longer if you want easier slicing and crispier edges.
- Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Storage
Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, keep the unglazed cookies sealed for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, warm briefly in a low oven to refresh the crispness without melting the glaze.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime instead of key lime?
Yes, regular limes can be substituted with a slightly less intense flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste since key limes are usually more aromatic and tart.
What if I don’t have a sharp knife for slicing?
Chill the dough thoroughly to firm it up, then use a serrated knife or dental floss to make clean slices without crushing the dough.
PrintButtery Lime Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Buttery Lime Shortbread Cookies are tender, crumbly cookies infused with fresh key lime zest and topped with a tangy lime glaze. These delightful cookies combine the rich flavor of unsalted butter with the bright, aromatic zest and juice of key limes for a refreshing citrus twist. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies feature a perfectly crisp edge with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, finished with a sweet-tart glaze that enhances every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, about 70°F)
- 2.5 tsp key lime zest (finely grated)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
Lime Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 5 tbsp key lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture for a tender, crumbly texture. Then, add the finely grated key lime zest and beat for another 30 seconds to evenly distribute the lime flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Dough Log and Freeze: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and gently form it into a 12-inch long, 1.5-inch diameter log. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 375°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Slice Cookies and Bake: Remove dough from freezer and slice into ¼-inch thick pieces with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on prepared pans. Bake for 12 minutes, rotating pans halfway to ensure even baking. Cookies are done when edges turn golden but centers remain pale.
- Cool and Prepare Glaze: Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess. Meanwhile, whisk sifted powdered sugar with key lime juice until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed.
- Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are cool, spread or drizzle the lime glaze evenly over each cookie with a small offset spatula or spoon. Allow glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving for a bright, beautiful finish.
Notes
- Freezing the dough log makes slicing easier and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and crumbly, not tough.
- Use freshly grated zest and freshly squeezed key lime juice for the best lime flavor.
- Rotate pans halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting or sogginess.
Keywords: shortbread cookies, lime cookies, key lime, buttery cookies, citrus dessert, lime glaze, easy cookie recipe, baked cookies
