Lime Shortbread Cookies

Remember that popular girl?   She was beautiful and smooth and sophisticated.  You could take her anywhere and she always fit in but at the same time she stood out in the crowd.  She got invited to all the parties.  Everyone wanted to be her.  She even smelled good!  This cookie is THAT GIRL.

It's buttery, shortbread taste is enhanced with a lime zest curd and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.  It's easy to make and you can take it anywhere.  It keeps well covered for several days, but they won't last that long.
They're just perfect for your Holiday Cookie tray, desert buffet, or cookie exchange.

Lime Shortbread Cookies

Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies

Filling:

1/3 Cup of granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons of lime juice

1 Tablespoon of grated lime zest

1 large egg

Green food coloring (optional)

Cookies:

½ cup of butter, softened

½ cup of granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 ¼ cup of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon of kosher salt

Powdered sugar, for sprinkling on top

Combine all the filling ingredients in a small saucepan. Stir well. Cook over medium-heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and starts to thicken. Add the food color and stir to blend. Set aside to cool slightly.

Preheat the oven to 325º F.

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg yolk and the vanilla and mix well. On low speed, add the flour and salt and mix until crumbly and blended. The mixture will be dry. Gather the dough into 1-inch balls and place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each and slightly flatten. Spoon filling into each cookie.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set but not brown. Cool completely and remove from the cookie sheet. Sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar.