Coconut-Lime Thai Snowballs

Step 1

1 Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Step 2

2 Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper

Step 3

3 For the dough: Combine the butter and sugar in the large bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand-held electric mixer); beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes, until light and fluffy

Step 4

4 Add the lime juice and beat to combine

Step 5

5 Stop the motor and fold in the lime zest, salt, flour and coconut, mixing well

Step 6

6 Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough between your palms into 1-inch balls

Step 7

7 Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets (the cookies will spread slightly); bake for about 15 minutes or until the cookies are puffy but not browned; the bottoms will be just golden

Step 8

8 Cool on the baking sheets for no more than 5 minutes

Step 9

9 For the coating: Meanwhile, combine the coconut, confectioners' sugar, lime zest and sifted cornstarch in a quart- or gallon-size resealable plastic food storage bag

Step 10

10 While the cookies are still warm, add 3 to 4 to the bag at a time and toss to coat evenly

Step 11

11 Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely

Step 12

12 When ready to serve, sprinkle additional confectioners' sugar and lime zest atop each cookie, if desired