Print

Lime Crackle Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 13 reviews

These Lime Crackle Cookies are delightful citrus-flavored treats with a soft, crackled appearance and a sweet, tangy zing from fresh lime and lemon juice. Coated in powdered and green sanding sugar, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and zest, ideal for any occasion or festive cookie platter.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1¼ cups granulated white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
  • 1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 drops green liquid food coloring

Coating

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons green sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the grated lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, lemon juice, and green food coloring.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, beating just until combined to avoid overmixing. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  6. Coat Dough Balls: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and green sanding sugar. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls, then toss each ball in the sugar mixture to thoroughly coat.
  7. Arrange and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are puffed, cracked on top, and golden around the edges, about 18 to 20 minutes.
  8. Cool Cookies: Remove baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then use a spatula to transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar.
  • Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains the crackled texture.
  • Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.