Lime Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These lime sugar cookies are delightfully crisp on the edges with a soft, chewy center infused with fresh lime zest. Simple to make yet full of bright citrus flavor, they are perfect for anyone who loves a zesty twist on a classic treat.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the egg, lime zest, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Step 6: Scoop the dough into balls using a spoon or cookie scoop and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set and starting to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 8: Let the cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra burst of lime flavor, add a sprinkle of lime zest on top of each cookie before baking.
- Try substituting some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- If you prefer a more intense lime taste, increase the lime juice to 2 tablespoons but reduce any additional wet ingredients slightly.
- To keep cookies chewy, avoid overbaking and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh slightly softened cookies, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use lime extract instead of fresh lime juice and zest?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of lime extract for the zest and juice, but fresh lime provides a brighter, more natural flavor.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls or baked cookies. Freeze dough balls on a sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, then bake from frozen adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
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Lime Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
These lime sugar cookies are perfectly baked to achieve a crusty edge with a soft and chewy center. Bursting with bright lime zest and a hint of fresh lime juice, they offer a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies. Easy to prepare and delightful to enjoy, these cookies are a flavorful citrus treat perfect for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add egg and flavorings: Beat in the large egg, lime zest, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra zest flavor, consider adding a little more lime zest but avoid increasing the juice to maintain dough consistency.
- Using fresh lime juice is essential for bright flavor; bottled lime juice may result in a less vibrant taste.
- To keep cookies soft, avoid overbaking; they should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven and firm up on cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the dough balls before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lime sugar cookies, citrus cookies, lime zest cookies, chewy sugar cookies, easy dessert recipe, homemade cookies
