If you’re a fan of tangy citrus flavors with a sweet touch, then these Key Lime Cookies are the perfect treat for you. Soft, zesty, and bursting with the fresh taste of key limes, these cookies are the perfect balance between sweet and tart. They’re incredibly easy to make and will leave everyone craving more. With a light dusting of powdered sugar to finish them off, these cookies are a delightful snack that will brighten up any day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love making these Key Lime Cookies because they are so simple, yet pack a refreshing punch of flavor. The key lime juice and zest give the cookies a zesty kick, making them different from traditional cookies. They have a soft, chewy texture and are not overly sweet—just the right balance of tart and sweetness. Plus, the powdered sugar dusting adds a perfect touch of sweetness without being overwhelming. These cookies are also a great way to use fresh key limes when they’re in season.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon key lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 2 key limes
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, key lime juice, and lime zest to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, I sometimes add shredded coconut to the dough. The combination of lime and coconut is delicious!
Lime Glaze: If I want an extra burst of lime, I make a simple lime glaze with powdered sugar, key lime juice, and a little bit of milk to drizzle over the cookies.
Use Regular Limes: If I don’t have key limes, regular limes work as a great substitute. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it’s still delicious!
Storage/Reheating
These Key Lime Cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If I want them to stay fresh longer, I pop them in the fridge, and they last up to a week. To bring them back to room temperature, I just let them sit out for about 15 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing these cookies because they may lose their delicate texture when thawed.
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FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, I can substitute regular limes for key limes. While the flavor will be slightly different, the cookies will still taste delicious.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, I can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This can help enhance the flavor of the cookies too.
Can I freeze the dough?
I can freeze the cookie dough! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it for 1-2 hours before transferring the dough balls into a zip-top bag. When I’m ready to bake, I just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden, but the center remains soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
If I only have salted butter, I can use it. I just need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half, or even omit the added salt altogether.
Conclusion
These Key Lime Cookies are the perfect treat for any citrus lover. With their bright, refreshing lime flavor and soft, chewy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in my household. Whether I make them for a special occasion or just because, they never disappoint. The best part is how easy they are to make—within 20 minutes, I can have a batch of these zesty, sweet cookies ready to enjoy.
📖 Recipe:
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Key Lime Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Zesty and refreshing Key Lime Cookies with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. These soft, chewy cookies are finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them the ideal treat for citrus lovers.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon key lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 2 key limes
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, key lime juice, and lime zest to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the dough.
For an extra burst of lime, drizzle a lime glaze over the cookies made with powdered sugar, key lime juice, and a little milk.
If key limes are unavailable, regular limes can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
