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