Do you know what? I really don’t care if Cinco de Mayo is not truly a celebrated holiday in Mexico and seems to be more of an invention of the U.S.  I am just too darn happy to have a reason to enjoy some good tequila, take a bite of a spicy enchilada and end my meal with a couple of zesty lime cookies.

These cookies have two heaping tablespoons of lime zest, the juice of one lime and a little bit of sugar sprinkled atop to send them over the edge into, “Mr. Lime Cookie, I am sooooo glad to have met you!”

Please, I know these cookies appear simple and might seem banal, but don’t underestimate the power of the lime my friends.  Afterall, what would a Margarita be without the lime?  So lime + sugar cookie = zesty heaven. Trust me. There was never a truer equation except maybe lime + tequila + salt (and maybe a few other things) = salty heaven.  Are you sensing a theme?

So, when you are planning your Mexican themed meal, think of these babies. They are easy to make (note the very few ingredients), are so tender but slightly crisp on the outside, and they have much more than a twist of lime in them to add to your meal’s happy ending.

Now, for those of you who have limited time and limited patience (you know who you are), please scroll forward to the recipe if you are ready to whip these babies up, BUT if you would like to be part of the festivities of celebrating a couple of blog awards that two lovely ladies with two fabulous blogs I follow regularly have bestowed upon me, then please feel free to read on…and let’s go ahead and toast our margaritas to them as well.

Thank you Ritaparna of Chocolate and Dreams blog for awarding me with:

Thank you also to Nourhan of Miss Anthropists Kitchen for awarding me with:

There are rules to the Versatile Blogger Award so here goes it….

1.       Link back to the person who gave you the award.

2.       Write seven random facts about yourself.

3.       Spread the love to 15 other blogs that you think deserve the award and contact them to let them know you gave them the award!

Here are my quick 7 random facts about me…

1. I am very happily married for almost twenty years  to my high school sweetheart and have two amazing kids.
2. I am a dog-a-holic….I adore dogs and especially my own, Sadie.  She rocks my world. Please check out my crazy decked out dalmation minivan if you need to be convinced.
3. Reading is one of my top five things to do when I have time for myself (HA! What that is I will NEVER know!).  I am currently reading…The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (please check it out…it’s really eye opening) but should be reading,  The Art of Racing in the Rain since my bookclub meets next week and I am one whole book BEHIND!
4. My favorite souvenir I bought on a trip is my set of Mickey Mouse measuring spoons I got from Disneyworld.  Mickey Mouse and baking both make me very happy and how nice of them to wrap it up in one adorable set of spoons.
5. I am an early riser and wake up most mornings without an alarm clock at 5:30 a.m.
6. Chocolate and I are besties, bff’s, soulmates. You get it.
7. I have an addiction to taking photos of my food. It’s weird and I need to get over it. Blogging is not my life…say it again folks…blogging is not my life. Is there a support group for this? If so please forward any info!

Here is the hard part friends…nominate 15 other bloggers with these awards. Truly, I adore an encyclopedia full of blogs, but I thought this time I would mention a few new ones I am following.

1. Sinfully Spicy – Tanvi’s photos make me drool for two reason, their quality and excellence and the deliciousness of the food!
2. The Little Spork – Lianna is a college student who cooks up a storm and I am always amazed at her repertoire at such a young age.
3. Offally Tasty – Cali is definitely a soul sister of mine since we seem to crave, bake and cook many of the same things.
4. Simple Math Bakery – I have been won over by so many of Jeanne’s delicious items and I absolutely LOVE that she made a pie in the shape of a “pi” for National Pi day.  Her name is pretty awesome too.
5. Ang Sarap – Raymund is an IT guy but you would assume he is a chef from his amazing food. His pork steamed buns are top on my to-do list.
6. Eats Well With Others – Joanne is definitely swaying me to the healthier side of eating although you might not guess it from my blog.  Her photos and food are exquisite.
7. The Spinning Plate – Her writing and food are both thoughtful and illuminating. If you follow her blog, then you can say, “I knew her when” before she becomes a famous author.

Lime Sugar Cookies
Makes about 24 cookies
1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened (3/4 c.)
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar(+ 1/2 sugar for sprinkling on top)
2 T. lime zest (zest from two limes approximately)
2 egg yolks
1/2 c. sour cream (I used low-fat Greek yogurt, worked great)
1 T. lime juice
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. granulated  OR confectioners sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Line two baking sheets with Silpat mats or parchment paper. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the butter on sugar on medium speed.  Add the lime zest, egg yolks and lime juice and combine.  Then add your sour cream or Greek yogurt and combine on low until just incorporated.

In a medium-sized separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour through salt.  —*Bakers hint: When measuring flour it is NOT a good idea to use your measuring cup as a scoop, this packs your flour in too tight and you will use too much flour. Instead, lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and combine on LOW speed until just mixed in.  Don’t over mix.  Place your 1/2 c. of sugar in a small bowl. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of cookie dough and roll them in the sugar and then place on the cookie sheet OR leave off the excess granulated sugar and after they are baked sift powdered sugar on top.  Bake for 12-14 minutes or until slightly golden on the outer edge.  The cookie should be just a little bit firm when touched lightly.  If you did not use the granulated sugar on top of your cookies, then sift powdered sugar on top of them while they are still warm.  This will help the powdered sugar stick onto the cookie.  Enjoy!