1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by pulling out all your ingredients to make things go smoothly this is your mise en place. Soften the 1 cup salted butter for the cookies and the 1/2 cup for the frosting by leaving it out for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it nice and hot while you mix. This step ensures everything is ready, helping you avoid any last-minute rushes.

2-Second Step: Mix the Cookie Dough In a large bowl, cream the 1 cup softened salted butter and 1 cup sugar together until they’re light and fluffy this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Beat in the 2 eggs and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla until fully combined, which adds moisture and flavor. Now, gradually mix in the 3 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 2 tsp cornstarch until the dough comes together without overworking it. This creates a base that’s easy to shape and bakes up perfectly.

3-Third Step: Shape and Bake the Cookies Double scoop the dough to make large mounds, which will give you about 16 generous cookies. Flatten each mound with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar for those pretty ruffled edges spray the glass with non-stick spray first to help the sugar stick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes, until the centers puff up and lose their glossy look. Keep an eye on them to pull them out before the edges brown for that ideal chewy texture.

4-Fourth Step: Cool the Cookies Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because frosting warm cookies can make a mess, so patience pays off here. While they cool, you can move on to the frosting for a seamless flow.

5-Fifth Step: Make the Frosting In a separate bowl, cream the 1/2 cup softened salted butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp coconut extract until the mixture is fluffy and well-blended this might take 2-4 minutes. If you want a fun color, add a few drops of neon green food coloring and swirl it with a toothpick for a marbled effect. The frosting should be spreadable but not too runny for easy application.

6-Sixth Step: Frost and Chill Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread the frosting on top with a knife or spatula for even coverage. For extra flair, use the back of a spoon to swirl the frosting. Pop the frosted cookies in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, which helps them set and enhances the flavors. For the final touch, add fresh lime slices on top or beside them to make your presentation pop.