{Lime and Black Pepper} Sugar Cookies

Every day in history class my friend Molly and I share stories about cooking, talk about things we've eaten, and those we want to eat. Its safe to say we like food.....just a little bit ;) About three weeks ago she brought me some recipes she found in the newspaper that were classic desserts, with a spicy twist added. The concept was using spices to literally "spice up" some sweet desserts. One of the recipes was for lime and black pepper cookies. I absolutely LOVE limes. They make anything from water to tacos taste even better. I loved the way they turned out, and they're easy to make. 

ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS:

~½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature

~1 cup granulated sugar

~¼ cup whole milk

~¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

~1 egg, at room temperature

~2 cups flour

~1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon lime zest (about 5 limes)

~2 teaspoons baking powder

~3/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

~1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

~Confectioner's sugar, for dusting the finished cookies

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a bowl of a standard mixer or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the milk, vanilla and egg, and beat over low speed just to incorporate.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, lime zest, baking powder, pepper and salt, breaking up any lumps.

3. With the mixer on low speed, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

4. Place dough on sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log shape, with a diameter of about 2 inches. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill about an hour.

5. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the dough log and slice crosswise into cookies one-fourth inch thick. Place the cookies on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake until a light golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Remove the cookies and cool on a rack. Dust the cooled cookies lightly with confectioner's sugar (and black pepper, if using).

thank you Molly dearest for the recipe!!!!!

XO

B