Sugar Cookies with Lime Essence

Name: Sugar Cookies with Lime Essence
Yield: Makes 2 dozen cookies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup, granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces/99 grams), for rolling dough; 3 teaspoons, grated lime zest, divided; 2 cups, unbleached all-purpose flour (10 ounces/283 grams), preferably Pillsbury or Gold Medal; 1/2 teaspoon, baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon, table salt; 16 tablespoons, unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened but still firm (60 to 65 degrees); 1 cup, granulated sugar (7 ounces/198 grams); 1 tablespoon, light brown sugar; 1 , large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons, vanilla extract

Desserts or Baked Goods
Cookies

Appears in Cook's Illustrated November/December 2002

Is it possible to make sugar cookies that have a perfect balance of texture and flavor? After 50 batches and 1,200 cookies, we know the answer.

SERVES Makes 2 dozen cookies

TIME 55 minutes, plus 20 minutes cooling

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