Zesty Key Lime Cookies Recipe: A Sweet & Tangy Treat

Sweet and zesty key lime cookies promise a tropical twist that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Crisp edges and soft centers create the perfect texture for this refreshing treat.

Sunshine-inspired flavors burst through every delectable bite, transporting you to a beachy paradise.

Tangy citrus notes blend seamlessly with buttery goodness, creating an irresistible combination.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore this easy-to-make recipe.

You’ll want to share these delightful morsels with everyone you know.

One taste, and these cookies will become your new summer obsession.

FAQs

• What makes key lime different from regular lime?

Key lime has a more intense, tart, and slightly floral flavor compared to regular Persian limes, making these cookies uniquely zesty and bright.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh key lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled key lime juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice without added sweeteners.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should appear slightly soft but not wet when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to set while cooling.

Tangy Key Lime Cookies Bursting With Flavor

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• Customize with Ease: Flexible dish allowing personalized touches through optional ingredients like jalapenos, different cheese varieties, or creative toppings to match family preferences.

Ingredients Needed For Key Lime Cookies

• Butter: A rich and creamy base that helps create a soft and tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a golden color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
• Key Lime Juice, Key Lime Zest: Delivers a bright, tangy citrus flavor that defines these cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural foundation of the cookie.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

• Powdered Sugar, Key Lime Juice: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor and shine to the cookies.

How To Prepare Key Lime Cookies Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Butter Clouds

In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy mixture that looks like sweet clouds.

Step 3: Add Zesty Moisture

Crack in the egg and sprinkle in the vibrant key lime zest.

Pour in the key lime juice and splash of vanilla extract. Mix everything until it becomes a smooth, fragrant blend.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until everything just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dreams

Scoop out small balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to give each cookie room to breathe.

Step 7: Flatten and Prepare

Use the back of a spoon to gently press down on each dough ball, creating a slightly flattened surface.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Create Zesty Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and key lime juice until you have a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.

Step 11: Final Touch

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle extra key lime zest on top for a burst of citrusy decoration.

Expert Tips For Key Lime Cookie Success

• Zest whole key limes before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and get more aromatic citrus notes.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother, more evenly mixed cookie dough that blends perfectly.
• Check cookies at 10 minutes to prevent over-browning, ensuring soft and tender texture with golden edges.
• Add extra key lime zest into the glaze for more intense citrus punch and vibrant flavor profile.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.

Creative Ideas For Key Lime Cookies Variations

• Coconut Key Lime Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the dough and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the glaze for a tropical texture and enhanced flavor profile.
• Tropical Macadamia Splash: Mix chopped macadamia nuts into the cookie dough and drizzle white chocolate glaze instead of lime glaze for a Hawaiian-inspired cookie.
• Tequila Lime Zinger: Incorporate a small amount of tequila into the glaze and add a pinch of salt to create an adult-friendly version with a bold, tangy kick.
• Graham Cracker Key Lime Fusion: Fold crushed graham cracker crumbs into the dough to mimic the flavor of a key lime pie, creating a nostalgic and comforting cookie experience.

Serving Suggestions For Zesty Key Lime Cookies

• Zesty Summer Picnic Companion: Pack these tangy cookies in a cute mason jar with a ribbon for a delightful outdoor treat that screams sunshine and refreshment.
• Tropical Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a bright platter alongside fresh tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, creating a vibrant and colorful dessert display that celebrates citrusy flavors.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these delicate key lime cookies on a vintage china plate with a pot of herbal tea, perfect for an elevated and sophisticated afternoon snack that offers a delightful twist on traditional tea treats.
• Beach-Inspired Dessert Bar: Create a beachy dessert station with these cookies, coral-colored napkins, and seashell decorations, transforming your gathering into a coastal-themed sweet celebration that transports guests to a tropical paradise.

How To Store Key Lime Cookies Properly

• Store key lime cookies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze raw dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking and enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to preserve their soft, zesty flavor.

Key Lime Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Luscious key lime cookies blend tangy citrus with sweet comfort from Florida’s beloved dessert tradition. Zesty and refreshing, these treats offer a delightful balance you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp key lime zest (from about 4–5 key limes)
• 1/4 cup key lime juice (from about 8–10 key limes)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for cookie placement.
2. Combine softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate egg, freshly grated key lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dough.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Using a tablespoon, portion out uniform dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon, creating a slightly flattened surface for even baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges that indicate perfect doneness and a crisp exterior.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to set and firm up slightly.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their final texture.
11. For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with key lime juice until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
12. Finish by decoratively drizzling glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkling additional key lime zest as a vibrant garnish.

Notes

• Use fresh key lime zest for the most vibrant, tangy flavor that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect creamy texture and help cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze glazed cookies between parchment paper layers for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 123
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 74 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg