Ingredients
For the Grapefruit Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons grapefruit zest (about 2 grapefruits)
For the Grapefruit Icing
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons grapefruit zest
- 5 tablespoons grapefruit juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix Butter, Sugar, and Zest: Add the grapefruit zest to the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat the mixture together until it becomes white and fluffy, approximately 6 minutes. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract if using.
- Combine with Flour: Gradually beat in the flour just until all the ingredients are combined. The dough should come together to form a ball. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it can be shaped easily.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough ball and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 1 hour, allowing it to firm up.
- Shape the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out 2-inch diameter circles. Alternatively, roll the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter and slice it into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shaped cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should not develop a golden brown color.
- Prepare the Grapefruit Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine the grapefruit juice with about 1 cup of powdered sugar and beat well. Add the grapefruit zest, then gradually mix in the remaining powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or juice if needed.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, dip the tops into the grapefruit icing. Place them on parchment paper or a wire rack and allow the icing to dry and harden for about 15 minutes. For best results, wait a couple of hours before stacking the cookies to prevent sticking.
Notes
- When rolling and cutting the dough, work quickly to prevent the dough from warming up and becoming too soft to handle.
- If you find the dough warming too fast, keep parts of it refrigerated until ready to use.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should remain pale and not turn golden brown.
- Allow the icing to fully harden before storing or stacking the cookies to maintain their appearance and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
