Key Lime Clove Meltaways
These zesty Key lime-flavored butter cookies—with a big kiss of clove—will simply melt in you mouth.
Recipe Ingredients:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar - divided use
1 1/2 tablespoons lime zest, freshly grated (from about 4 Key or 2 regular limes)*
2 tablespoons Key lime juice
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine butter and 1/3 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add lime zest, lime juice and vanilla; beat until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground cloves, cornstarch and salt. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined. Divide dough in half and place each on a piece of wax paper. Shape into two 1-inch logs, using the paper to shape and seal the logs. Chill at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove one log from refrigerator at a time, remove paper, and slice dough into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Place 1 inch apart on cool, parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until bottoms are barely golden, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool slightly, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Measure 2/3 cup powdered sugar into a resealable, gallon-size plastic bag. While the cookies are still warm, carefully place a few at a time in the bag, gently toss to coat, and place on rack to cool completely. Coat again before serving as necessary.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Makes 4 dozen cookies.
*Zest using the smallest side of a box grater or cheese grater or a micro plane.
Tip: Any lime may be substituted for Key limes if they are not available in your area.
Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.