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Key Lime Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/key-lime-cookies-recipe/