Jalapeño Lime Cookies

The idea with these cookies was to elevate dessert to something more than plain sweet. Rather than spicy, I wanted these cookies to taste sweet and bright until the end of the bite when a subtle warmth hits your mouth. It took a ton of tests to make them come out just right, soft and chewy with a hint of warmth. Unfortunately, the judges liked their cookies chocolate and sweet. But I still think they are winners!

Jalapeño Lime Cookies

These chewy cookies require no electric mixers, making them perfect for little helpers. Their bright lime flavor melts on your tongue followed by a subtle, warm heat from the jalapeño reminiscent of summer days on the beach.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• 1-2 roasted jalapeños, seeds and skin removed and chopped finely
• 2 tsp. lime zest
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp. lime zest

Heat oven to 350°F, placing oven rack in middle position. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place sugar in a large bowl, cut up the cream cheese into small pieces, place on top. Melt butter and, while still warm, pour over sugar and cream cheese. Whisk to combine. In a small food processor or blender, blend egg, jalapeño, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla, whisk until smooth. Blend into cream cheese mixture. Set aside.

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. With a rubber spatula, fold in cream cheese mixture until smooth. Do not overmix. Combine 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tbsp. lime zest. Divide dough into 24 equal pieces, roll each piece in lime sugar and form into balls. Flatten the dough into 2-inch circles. Bake one sheet at a time until edges are slightly brown, about 12 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, then cool on rack until room temperature.

Lime Sour Cream Glaze

• 1 tsp. lime juice
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 Tbsp. sour cream

Meanwhile, combine lime juice, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth. Whisk in sour cream. When the cookies are cooled, drizzle icing over the top, and allow to harden before serving.