Lime Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Lime Sugar Cookies offer a bright, tangy twist on a classic treat. Soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lime zest and juice, they are perfect for any occasion when you want a light, citrusy cookie. A simple glaze adds a delightful finishing touch.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lime (all juice and zest)
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter (melted, for glaze)
• 1 lime (all juice, for glaze)
• ¼–⅓ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cream the softened butter and sugar together with a mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt, then mix well.
2. Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Zest one lime and add the zest to the dough. Squeeze all the juice from the lime into the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour and continue mixing until just combined. If you want, add 1-2 drops of green food coloring for a subtle tint. Chill the dough in an airtight container for 2 hours.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop the dough by the tablespoon, roll into balls, and then roll each ball in a bowl of sugar to coat all sides.
6. Step 6: Place the coated dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
7. Step 7: To make the glaze, mix melted butter and freshly squeezed lime juice together. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring with a fork until you reach the desired consistency.
8. Step 8: While the cookies are still warm, spread or drizzle a small amount of glaze on top using a spoon or knife. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of citrus, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the glaze as well.
• Use fresh limes for the best flavor; bottled lime juice won’t give the same brightness.
• If you prefer a more subtle glaze, thin it with a bit more lime juice. For thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
• Try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar for a fun, festive look.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If glazed, make sure the glaze has fully set before stacking. Reheat briefly in a microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, chilling the dough for 2 hours is recommended to improve texture and flavor. You can also prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight if needed.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can omit the cream of tartar; it helps with texture but the cookies will still turn out delicious without it.

Lime Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

These Lime Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with fresh lime zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor. Perfectly soft with a slight crisp edge and optionally topped with a tangy lime glaze, these cookies make a refreshing treat for any occasion.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lime, zest and juice
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional)

Glaze

• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 lime, juiced
• ¼ – ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt, then mix well to combine.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Add Lime Zest and Juice: Zest one lime and add the zest into the dough. Squeeze the juice of the lime and add it to the mixture, mixing until combined to infuse the dough with fresh citrus flavor.
4. Add Flour and Chill Dough: Gradually add the 1 ½ cups of flour to the mixture and continue mixing until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
5. Shape and Sugar Coat: After chilling, scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
6. Bake Cookies: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls evenly spaced on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
7. Prepare Glaze: While the cookies bake or cool, mix melted butter with lime juice. Slowly add powdered sugar while stirring with a fork until reaching your desired glaze consistency.
8. Glaze Cookies: When cookies are still warm, drizzle or spread a small amount of glaze on top. The glaze has a strong lime flavor, so use sparingly to complement the cookies without overpowering them.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better texture.
• Green food coloring is optional and only for visual appeal.
• The glaze is potent in lime flavor, so a thin layer is recommended.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For a firmer glaze, add powdered sugar slowly until desired thickness is achieved.

Keywords: lime sugar cookies, citrus cookies, lime cookies, sugar cookies, glazed cookies, dessert, baking