Description
Delightfully tangy and tender, these Key Lime Meltaway Cookies combine the zesty flavor of key limes with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cookies feature a buttery base infused with lime juice and zest, topped with a creamy key lime frosting, making them a perfect treat for citrus lovers.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 tbsp key lime juice
- 3 tsp lime zest (reserve 1 tsp for decorating)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp key lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the powdered sugar and 1 cup softened butter together until creamy and smooth. Mix in 1 tablespoon of key lime juice and 3 teaspoons of lime zest, reserving 1 teaspoon of zest for decorating later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir this flour mixture into the butter mixture until fully incorporated. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat and Shape Cookies: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them out. Using your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie to create a small nest for the frosting later.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. They should not spread much and will be delicate. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon key lime juice, continuing to beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, pipe or spoon the frosting into the indentations on each cookie. Sprinkle the reserved lime zest on top and optionally garnish with a quarter slice of key lime for a bright decorative touch.
Notes
- Make sure to fully cool cookies before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use fresh key limes for the best authentic flavor, or substitute with regular lime juice if unavailable.
- These cookies are fragile when warm; handle carefully when transferring to cooling racks.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a firmer frosting, chill briefly before piping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
