Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Key Lime Cookies offer a bright, tangy twist on a classic treat. Soft and chewy with a fresh lime flavor, they’re perfect for spring and summer gatherings or any time you want a zesty dessert.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice (from about 12 key limes)
• 2 teaspoons key lime zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2-3 drops green food coloring or mix of yellow and blue (optional)
• ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat.
2. Step 2: In a stand mixer or large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, egg yolk, key lime juice, and key lime zest to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, avoiding over-mixing. If desired, fold in green food coloring or a mix of yellow and blue for a subtle color.
6. Step 6: Place the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar in one small bowl and the confectioners’ sugar in another.
7. Step 7: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, roll into balls. Roll each ball first in the granulated sugar, then in the confectioners’ sugar. Arrange on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake cookies for 15-17 minutes until set but still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh key limes for the best authentic flavor, but regular limes can work in a pinch.
• If you prefer a stronger lime taste, add an extra teaspoon of lime zest.
• Skip the food coloring if you want a more natural look or use a small amount of yellow for a softer color.
• To make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, regular lime juice works well and will give a similar tangy flavor, though key limes provide a slightly sweeter and more aromatic taste.

Why are the cookies soft instead of crispy?

These cookies are designed to be soft and chewy, which complements their fresh lime flavor best. Overbaking can make them harder, so be sure to check them as they near the end of baking.

Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

These Key Lime Cookies offer a delightful citrus twist on traditional sugar cookies. Featuring fresh key lime juice and zest combined with a soft, tender texture, these cookies are perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. The sugar coating adds a pleasant crunch and subtle sweetness, making them a refreshing treat ideal for any occasion.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed key lime juice (from about 12 key limes)
• 2 teaspoons key lime zest

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 2–3 drops green food coloring or mix of yellow and blue (optional)
• ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is important for a tender cookie texture.
3. Add eggs and lime: Mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, and key lime zest. Stir just until everything is combined to maintain a tender dough.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
5. Mix dry into wet: Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix carefully until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies. If desired, gently fold in the green food coloring or a mix of yellow and blue until the dough turns a light green color.
6. Prepare sugar coating: Place the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl, and confectioners’ sugar in a separate small bowl. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, roll the dough into balls.
7. Coat dough balls: Roll each dough ball first in the granulated sugar, then in the confectioners’ sugar. This dual coating gives the cookies a sparkling exterior with a slight crunch and a sweet finish.
8. Arrange and bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape and achieve the perfect texture.

Notes

• For the best lime flavor, use fresh key limes and zest just before mixing to preserve brightness and aroma.
• The green food coloring is optional; you can achieve a natural pale lime color or skip coloring altogether.
• Don’t overmix once adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
• Cookies may look soft when done; they will firm up as they cool.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Key Lime Cookies, lime cookies, citrus cookies, soft cookies, dessert, baking, lime zest, key lime juice