In high summer, when the basil crop is ready for harvest, drying and pesto production come to mind. But what about sweet basil treats? It might be surprising, but the strong flavour of basil, with its cinnamon undertones, combines nicely with citrus and sugar. In this form basil reveals part of its character that might otherwise remain hidden. This is a fairly basic sugar cookie recipe, but the addition of basil and citrus elevates it to a more sophisticated level. These Lemon Lime and Basil Sugar Cookies are sure to impress guests at summer parties.
Ingredients:
250ml (1 cup) all-purpose flour
125ml (½ cup) powdered sugar
125ml (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
30ml (2 Tbsp) sliced fresh lime basil leaves or purple basil
5ml (1 tsp) grated lemon zest
2.5ml (½ tsp) grated lime zest
15ml (1 Tbsp) fresh lemon juice
1 ml (1 pinch) salt
additional powdered sugar for pressing the cookies
Preheat oven to 190C° (375F°). Grease cookie trays. Place all ingredients, except additional powdered sugar in a food processor. Process until the dough forms large clumps. Measure one tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll into a ball and place on tray. Place additional powdered sugar in bowl, dip bottom of small measuring cup in sugar and press the cookies into 2 inch circle. Bake for 15 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.