XVI: Lime Flowers

I think I have tried to make these. The best cookie recipes are in mom's book. I will raid it next time I'm home.

2 c all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1 c granulated sugar
2 T finely grated lime zest plus 1/4 c fresh lime juice
12 T (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 t vanilla
Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; set aside.
Put the sugar and zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed 1 minute. Add butter; mix until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla and lime juice. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in flour mixture.
On a lightly floured work surface, halve the dough. Flatten each half into a 10-inch disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill dough in freezer 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350*. Roll out a disk on parchment paper to 1/8 in thick. Using a 3 inch flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut shapes from dough. Space on baking sheets 1 inch apart. Using a 1 in round cutter, cut a hole in center of each. Repeat with other disk.
Bake until set, about 16 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool. Before serving, sift confectioners' sugar over cookies.