Sweet Corn Snickerdoodles with Chili-Lime Sugar

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 24 min cook

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup fresh sweet corn kernels
• 10 tbsp softened unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup plus 3 tbsp for rolling granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp lime zest

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pat the fresh corn kernels very dry with paper towels so excess moisture does not toughen the dough.
2. 2In a large bowl cream the softened butter with three-quarters cup of the granulated sugar and all the brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer.
3. 3Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined and the mixture looks smooth. Scrape down the bowl.
4. 4In a separate bowl whisk the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low just until a soft dough forms.
5. 5Fold in the dried corn kernels until evenly scattered throughout the dough. Chill the dough 15 minutes so it is easier to scoop and holds shape.
6. 6In a small shallow bowl stir together the remaining three tablespoons granulated sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, and lime zest until fragrant and evenly colored.
7. 7Scoop the dough into 12 equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll each portion into a ball, then roll generously in the chili-lime cinnamon sugar to coat completely.
8. 8Arrange six balls on each prepared sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.
9. 9Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers still look soft and puffy. The cookies will continue to firm as they cool.
10. 10Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. The corn kernels toast lightly and give little sweet pops against the classic snickerdoodle chew and gentle heat.