Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Key Lime Cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic treat with bright, tangy lime flavor and a sweet glaze. Soft and chewy with a refreshing citrus glaze, they are perfect for any occasion or just a simple indulgence.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (one stick)
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 teaspoons key lime zest
• 1¾ cups flour (219g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• ½ teaspoon key lime zest (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
2. Step 2: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. Stir in the key lime zest.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture in thirds, mixing just until incorporated after each addition, until dough forms.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until they are set but still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla extract, salt (if using), and key lime zest to create the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
8. Step 8: Once the cookies are fully cooled, dip them into the glaze or spread it on top with a knife. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger lime flavor, increase the key lime zest slightly or add a little extra key lime juice to the glaze.
• If you don’t have key limes, regular lime zest and juice work well as a substitute.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies keep their shape.
• Try adding a teaspoon of coconut extract to the dough for a tropical twist.

Storage

Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. To refresh, let them come to room temperature if refrigerated. The glaze may soften slightly upon reheating, so enjoy them fresh for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help enhance the flavors and make the dough easier to handle.

What if I don’t have key lime juice?

You can use regular lime juice or even lemon juice as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

Delight in these vibrant and zesty Key Lime Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery base brightened with fresh key lime zest and juice. Topped with a tangy lime glaze, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any lime lover.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 18–20 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (one stick)
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 teaspoons key lime zest
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (219g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Lime Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• ½ teaspoon key lime zest

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on high using an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the key lime zest to infuse the dough with bright citrus flavor.
5. Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar in thirds, beating just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing and developing gluten.
6. Shape Cookies: Roll the cookie dough into 1½ inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Prepare Lime Glaze: While the cookies cool completely, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt if using, and key lime zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Glaze Cookies: Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze or spread it on top with a knife. Let the glaze set fully for a few minutes before serving.
10. Store: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
• Key lime zest adds a bold citrus flavor; fresh zest is preferred for brightness.
• Glaze consistency can be adjusted to be thicker for dipping or thinner for spreading.
• Allow glaze to fully set before stacking cookies to prevent sticking.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or coconut milk.

Keywords: Key lime cookies, lime zest cookies, citrus cookies, lime glaze cookies, easy baked cookies