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Citrus Butter Cookies: Bright, Zesty, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 48 cookies

Description

Soft, buttery cookies with a refreshing blend of orange, lemon, and lime, topped with a tangy citrus glaze. Perfect for brightening up your day or sharing as a delightful treat.


Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups salted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks (reserve whites for icing)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons citrus zest (orange, lemon, lime)
  • 2 tablespoons citrus juice (orange, lemon, lime)

For the Citrus Icing:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons citrus zest (orange, lemon, lime)
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Dash of salt
  • Reserved egg white
  • Extra zest (for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough:
    • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
    • Add egg yolks and citrus zest, mixing until combined.
    • Gradually add flour, mixing on low speed. Add citrus juice and mix until dough forms.
  3. Shape and Bake:
    • Roll heaping teaspoons of dough into balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
    • Bake for 13 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
    • Let cool on the sheet for 3–4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Make the Icing:
    • In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, citrus zest, lime juice, lemon juice, salt, and reserved egg white. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  5. Decorate the Cookies:
    • Drizzle icing over cooled cookies in crisscross patterns.
    • Sprinkle extra citrus zest on top for decoration. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh citrus zest and juice for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until combined for tender cookies.
  • Cool cookies completely before icing to prevent melting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American