Key Lime Crackles

By cheeserohan

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 c granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp grated Key lime zest, plus 3 Tbsp Key lime juice (or use regular lime zest and 1 1/2 Tbsp each lemon and lime juice)
• 4 drops green food coloring
• 1/2 c confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 2 Tbsp green sanding sugar

Preparation

Step 1

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 min. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the lime zest and juice, then beat in the food coloring. Reduce the mixer speed to low' gradually add the flour mixture, beating until just combined. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 45 min.

2. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine the confectioners' sugar and sanding sugar in a small bowl. Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and toss in the sugar mixture to coat completely. Arrange the cookies 2 in apart on the prepared baking sheets.

3. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies are puffed and creaked on top and golden around the edges, 18 to 20 min. Let cool 5 min on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.