These really are for the 21+ crowd! With tequila and lime infused in both the cookie and its glaze, it’s a cocktail in cookie format.
Child number three is my daughter, Sam. It is funny that as the mom of adults, I create liquor-centric recipes specifically for them. Ah, the twists and turns of life. Not only were these margarita cookies crafted for her, but they also were made in the vegan version. I’m excited for the (hopefully) near future where I can see her in-person and enjoy a margarita and some one-on-one time with her.
From the wayback time machine
To learn more about this recipe, published in March 2020, keep reading.
Welcome to the beginning of tequila week at Think Tasty! What better way is there to start it than with Margarita Monday? (Could be something that gets a following.)
When you think about tequila, your mind probably turns to cocktails or shots. However, tequila can be used for so much more than drinks. I find it works really well in desserts, as the earthy nature of it can temper the sweetness, making for a nicely balanced dessert. It also might have a teeny, tiny kick as well, but since we’re all adults. . .
To promote tequila as a dessert ingredient, I took the path of least resistance and decided to make margarita cookies. There are a good number of citrus-y cookies, why not take that idea and add a kick?
The most difficult part of making these cookies was striking the correct balance in the glaze. I needed enough tequila to give a real margarita taste without having any burn from the straight liquor. Thankfully, after a little bit of kitchen chemistry I found the perfect flavor profile of tequila, lime, and sweetness.
A few notes on ingredients
The upside to making this cookie is that if you’re making them for a mixed age crowd, you can easily divide the batch in half. For the over 21 crowd, make the recipe as is. For the under 21 crowd, replace the tequila in the cookie batter with vanilla extract. In the glaze, replace the tequila with milk. Just be sure to mark each batch correctly!
Although you don’t have to buy really expensive tequila for this recipe, I also recommend skipping inexpensive tequila, as its flavor is fairly dominant in the glaze. Middle of the road is your best choice.
Recipe note: You could add green food coloring to the glaze, if that makes it look more like a margarita to you. For me I liked the simplicity of the white glaze.
For another margarita-styled dessert, give this Margarita Cake with a Kick a try.
Adults Only Margarita Cookies
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Glaze
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
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Make the cookies
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Preheat oven to 350.
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Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer.
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Beat for 2-3 minutes on low speed using paddle attachment.
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Add yogurt, lime zest, and tequila, mixing until incorporated.
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Add baking powder, soda, salt, and flour; mix on low.
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Form dough into balls the size of a walnut.
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Place on cookie sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
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Flatten balls of dough slightly with the back of a spoon.
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Bake for 12 minutes.
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Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 2 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack, and cool completely.
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Make the glaze
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Combine powdered sugar, tequila, and lime juice; mix well.
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Using a spoon, pour a small amount of glaze on a cookie, and spread with the back of a spoon.
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Glaze will set in 5 minutes.
Video
Notes
Replace butter with non-dairy spread and yogurt with non-dairy yogurt
Make sure when you’re adding vegan foods to your diet, you look for vegan certified symbols to assure they meet standards.
