Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- zest of 1 lime (freshly zested for best flavor)
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract (Madagascar vanilla extract recommended)
- 1/4 tsp mint flavoring
- 1 large egg
- 8 tbsp salted butter (softened to room temperature)
For the Glaze:
- zest of 3 limes
- 2 tbsp dark rum
- 1 1/2 tsp lime juice
- zest of 1 pink grapefruit
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted for a smoother glaze)
- 1/4 tsp mint flavoring (McCormick mint flavoring recommended)
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing. Then add the granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the chopped fresh mint, vanilla extract, mint extract, egg, and lime zest to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough and place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to roll out.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out cookies, placing them 1 to 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed for additional cookies.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even browning. Remove when edges begin to turn lightly golden.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly zested limes and fresh mint leaves.
- Softening the butter to room temperature ensures smooth creaming and better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
- The dough can be chilled overnight for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- Watch the cookies closely near the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Let cookies cool completely before applying glaze for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
