Read by Michael Flamel

Once upon a time, in a cozy little kitchen tucked away in a snow-covered town, there was a baker who dreamed of sunshine. As the snowflakes fell gently outside, they yearned for the warmth of a tropical breeze, the sound of waves gently kissing the shore, and the sight of palm trees swaying lazily in the sun. But instead of booking a flight to a distant paradise, this creative baker decided to bring the tropics to their home, one delicious bite at a time.

And so, the Keylime cookie was born—a little piece of sunshine, packed with tropical flavors, that fits right in the palm of your hand. Imagine a cookie so vibrant, so zesty, that it could transport you straight to a beach, no matter how chilly it was outside. With every bite, the tangy zest of fresh limes mingles with the sweet, buttery dough, and just for a moment, winter feels a world away.

These cookies are not just a treat; they are a mini-vacation, a burst of sunshine, and a reminder that even in the depths of winter, a touch of tropical bliss is always within reach.

Keylime Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest (about 2-3 limes)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest

Optional:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom for a subtle spice kick

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated.

Mix in the lime zest and lime juice.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If you’re adding a hint of spice, mix in the ground ginger or cardamom.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Shape and Bake:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft and chewy.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze the Cookies:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or fork. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation:

Arrange the cookies on a platter lined with fresh lime slices and a sprinkling of shredded coconut for an extra tropical touch.

For an added burst of color, garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint.

Tropical Beverage Pairing:

Coconut Limeade:

Combine 1 cup coconut water, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup simple syrup in a pitcher.

Stir in a handful of fresh mint leaves and a few slices of lime.

Serve over ice with a garnish of mint sprig and a slice of lime on the rim of each glass.

This delightful pairing will whisk you and your guests off to a tropical paradise, even if just for a moment. So, the next time the snow falls and the chill of winter sets in, reach for a Keylime cookie and let it take you to a sunny beach where the palm trees sway, and the warmth of the tropics caresses your cheeks. Enjoy your mini-vacation, one bite at a time! ❖