Description
Torticas de Morón are traditional Argentine cookies known for their tender crumb and refreshing lime zest. These simple yet flavorful cookies combine vegetable shortening, sugar, and lime zest into a dough that is rolled, sliced, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect served alongside coffee or tea, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus aroma, making them a beloved treat in Argentine cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups / 385 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
- 1 cup / 200 grams granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup / 185 grams vegetable shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 3 limes (about 1½ tablespoons lime zest)
Instructions
- Combine shortening and sugar: In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to mix the vegetable shortening and granulated sugar until well incorporated and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and continue stirring until combined. Then, fold in the lime zest evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add flour and salt: Gradually incorporate the flour and kosher salt in three additions. Use your hands to mix and press the ingredients together between each addition until all the flour is absorbed and the dough forms a cohesive mass. If it feels too dry and doesn’t come together, add a splash of lime juice or water to help bind the dough.
- Preheat oven and prepare workspace: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Clear part of your work surface and lay down a 2-foot-long piece of plastic wrap to help with shaping the dough.
- Shape dough log: Transfer the dough to the center of the plastic wrap. Shape it into a compact log about 2 inches in diameter by rolling and squishing it using the plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly to form a firm circular log and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This resting period helps relax the dough for easier slicing.
- Slice and bake: Unwrap the dough and carefully slice it into ½-inch thick slices using a sharp knife. If slices crumble, gently press or smooth edges to form neat rounds. Place the slices spaced on a nonstick baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the centers are firm and the bottoms turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and store: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using vegetable shortening yields a tender, crumbly texture unique to these cookies.
- If dough feels crumbly or dry, add lime juice or a little water sparingly to help it come together.
- Resting the dough log before slicing prevents the cookies from crumbling apart during cutting.
- Cut slices evenly for consistent baking and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Argentine
Keywords: Torticas de Morón, Argentine cookies, lime zest cookies, traditional Argentine dessert, crispy lime cookies
