Name: Key Lime Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-488395H22M46S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons key lime juice; 1 tablespoon key lime zest; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for sunshine in dessert form, these Key Lime Cookies are about to become your new obsession! Each bite is a dreamy fusion of buttery richness, delicate crumb, and that unmistakable zesty tang only key lime can deliver. Wrapped in a light powdered sugar coat, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, capturing all the splendor of a classic key lime pie—just in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a summer party or just want to brighten your day, you’ll find that these treats are irresistibly cheerful and beautifully simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Key Lime Cookies is how a handful of familiar, everyday ingredients can create a flavor so vibrant and unique. Each element here is carefully chosen to play a distinct role—adding richness, structure, or that irreplaceable citrus sparkle.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the backbone of your dough, ensuring the cookies are rich, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): The right level of sweetness to complement the lime without overpowering that punchy citrus flavor.
Large egg (1): Acts as the essential binding agent, helping create a dough that holds its shape and stays moist.
Key lime juice (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient, infusing every cookie with a bright, refreshing tang.
Key lime zest (1 tablespoon): Don’t skip this! The zest adds aromatic oils and an extra layer of flavor that makes all the difference.
All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Provides the necessary structure for cookies that are soft but never crumbly.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Lends a gentle lift, ensuring your cookies bake up light and perfectly tender.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread evenly and develop a lovely golden edge.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch of salt sharpens all those beautiful flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Powdered sugar (½ cup, for rolling): A final snowy dusting gives the cookies their signature soft sweetness and irresistible finish.

How to Make Key Lime Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light, creamy, and almost fluffy. This step is essential for creating that signature soft texture in your Key Lime Cookies, so don’t rush it—give the mixer a few minutes to really work its magic!

Step 2: Add the Egg, Key Lime Juice, and Zest

Next, crack in your egg and pour in the key lime juice and zest. Beat everything together until fully combined. This trio is where your cookies come alive—the egg makes it all come together, while the juice and zest infuse the dough with layers of zingy lime flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick blend ensures your leavening agents are well dispersed and helps prevent any pockets of salt or soda in your finished cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to stop as soon as a soft dough forms. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies—trust the dough, even if it feels soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This brief pause firms up the butter, making it easier to roll and ensuring your Key Lime Cookies keep their perfect shape while baking.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step keeps cleanup easy and helps your cookies bake evenly.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll each one into a ball. Roll these balls in powdered sugar until lightly coated—this gives the Key Lime Cookies their signature crackled look and a sweet, snowy finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye here—slightly underbaked centers make for the softest bite!

Step 9: Cool and Set

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set up just right and ensures they’re sturdy enough to handle without losing that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Serve Key Lime Cookies

Garnishes

For a show-stopping touch, try topping your finished cookies with a sprinkle of extra key lime zest right before serving. You can also dust with a bit more powdered sugar or even drizzle with a simple lime glaze for extra sparkle and punch.

Side Dishes

Key Lime Cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee—the creamy undertones of the cookies play beautifully with warm drinks. For a party platter, consider pairing them with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a creamy coconut mousse to round out the citrusy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a green ribbon for adorable party favors. For holiday trays, nestle your Key Lime Cookies among other tropical treats or arrange them in concentric circles for bright, cheerful dessert displays. If you’re feeling playful, turn them into mini ice cream sandwiches by filling with a scoop of lime or coconut sorbet!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store your Key Lime Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days, though you may have trouble keeping them around that long!

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Pop the cooled cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked taste, warm a cookie or two in the microwave for about 5 to 10 seconds. This revives their softness and brings out the fragrant lime aroma, making them taste almost freshly baked even days later.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes add a slightly floral, more intense citrus flavor, regular Persian limes will still give you that bright, refreshing punch. You may notice a subtle difference, but your cookies will remain delicious.

How can I amp up the lime flavor even more?

For a punchier lime taste, add a few drops of lime extract to the dough or use an extra tablespoon of key lime zest. You can even add a thin lime glaze after baking for an extra tangy finish.

Will this recipe work with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour. Be mindful that texture and spread may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the first batch and adjust if needed.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps firm up the butter in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also gives the flavors a chance to mingle and develop, making each bite extra delicious.

Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the dough, wrap it well, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Just scoop and bake as directed—you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time if the dough is extra cold.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of homemade Key Lime Cookies with the people you love. Their cheerful flavor and beautiful, powdered sugar finish have a way of brightening any day. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these cookies become everyone’s new favorite treat!

Key Lime Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Key Lime Cookies are a delightful citrusy twist on a classic dessert favorite. Soft and tangy, with a light dusting of powdered sugar, they are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons key lime juice
1 tablespoon key lime zest
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating:

1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, key lime juice, and zest until combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape and bake: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, coat lightly with powdered sugar, place on baking sheets, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool before serving.