Description
These Best Lime Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender and full of bright lime flavor, with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and a tangy citrus glaze on top. They’re the perfect make-ahead treat when you need dessert ideas or a sweet snack, and this easy recipe turns simple pantry ingredients into something special. Bake a batch for holiday cookie trays, after-school treats, or anytime you’re craving feel-good food ideas.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon lime zest packed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until pale, creamy, and slightly fluffy.
2. Add the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cornstarch, and fine sea salt until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain and a soft dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto parchment paper, gently pat it into a disk or log, wrap well, and chill for 30 to 45 minutes or until firm.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into rounds, or slice into even disks if using a log.
7. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning light golden and the tops look set but still pale. Cool completely on a wire rack.
8. For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, adding up to 1 more tablespoon if needed, until thick but pourable. Spoon or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with lime zest. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.
Notes
Avoid overbaking the cookies—pull them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden and the centers still look pale so the shortbread stays tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 20