Fast and furious – that’s how I am going to have to be to get these all these marvelous recipes out to you! 2018 Christmas Treat #3 – Lime and Lemon Basil Cookies.
This is my nephew Richard’s submission. He has become quite the cook – no doubt this comes from his mother who is a wiz in the kitchen. Although he never, no really never ever cooked when living with his parents, he has developed a style and sense of adventure in the preparation of food. Some of this may come from his wife who will be featured in another cookie treat recipe. He’s my eldest brother’s son and one of 2 grandsons – the other being my son Scott.
I like this cookie because it uses lime and lemon with the unbelievably fresh tasting basil. The aroma of the kitchen from this cookie was intoxicating, the flavor mildly exotic. We swapped some lime sugar (see my Citrus Sugar posting to learn more) equally for plain white sugar – just forth at extra boost of lime. We also added the zest of one lemon to the mix. You must try this the next time you are making a cookie where citrus is the main flavor.
I think you will like this cookie – different flavors, lovely texture. Vary it up after you try it with different types of citrus sugar – orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit etc. Sprinkled on top or in the cookie, you will love the taste. Just what is needed on a cold dark winter day! As always – enjoy!
½ cup butter
½ cup lime citrus sugar (see my posting – https://foodinspires.com/2018/03/15/making-citrus-sugar/)
¼ cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
zest from one lime
zest from one lemon
3 tbsp very finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Pre-heat the oven to 375f – line two cookie sheets with parchment paper
In a stand mixer (or hand mixer) cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy
Mix in the egg, vanilla, zest, and basil – mix until fully combined
In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt
Add to the butter mixture – mix until combined
Use a teaspoon to scoop small balls onto a cookie sheet, flatten slightly and sprinkle with more citrus sugar
Bake 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies/oven
Allow to cool on a cooling rack for a few minutes before moving
