Lime Zest Cookies

I am a rebel. I mean, I’m sure you all knew that already, but seriously, I am a culinary wild child. It’s ridiculous. How they even let me into the kitchen, I don’t know. And how I make it out…another one of life’s greatest mysteries.

You want to know what I did to earn this outrageous label? I used LIMES. That’s right, LIMES. This recipe is actually titled Lemon Zest Cookies, but I went out a limb, toed the line, stood at the edge, and FOUND SUCCESS.

Limes were also 10 for 99 cents, as opposed to lemons which were 3 for 99 cents.

But seriously, these cookies are a perfect summer treat. The limes give them a subtle twist without being overpowering, and the cookies are light and delicious. I think I ate 12 this morning.

Lime Zest Cookies

adapted from The Golden Book of Cookies

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp finely grated lime zest
• 1 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 Tbsp milk

In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice.

In a medium bowl, measure out the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until full incorporated.

Add a the milk slowly, until a soft dough forms. The dough should not be too sticky.

Turn the cookie dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth.

Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a log about 12 inches long. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 45 minutes, until firm.

Preheat the oven to 400º.

Slice the dough logs into 1/4 inch thick slices and place about 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are lightly brown.