Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Key Lime Cookies offer a delightful citrus twist on a classic treat. Soft and tender with a tangy lime glaze, they are perfect for those who love a bright, refreshing flavor in their baked goods.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your 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 until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until just combined. Stir in the key lime zest.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture in thirds, mixing each addition just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into 1½ inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
6. Step 6: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt (if using), and key lime zest. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk 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 more lime juice to the glaze.
• Use regular lime zest if key limes are not available; the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar gradually, or thinner glaze with a bit more milk.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading and enhance flavor.

Storage

Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend freshness. To enjoy the best texture, allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving. The glaze may soften when reheated, so avoid warming in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, regular lime zest and juice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly less tart and aromatic than with key limes.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers may still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool, ensuring a tender texture.

Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 127 reviews

These Key Lime Cookies combine a soft, buttery base with the tart zest and juice of fresh key limes, finished with a tangy lime glaze. Perfectly balanced between sweet and citrusy, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For The Cookies

• 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
• 1 ¾ cups flour (219g)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For The 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 and prep dry ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this bowl aside for later.
2. Cream butter and sugars. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat these together for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy in texture.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and lime zest. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then add the key lime zest, mixing gently to incorporate the citrus flavor.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients gradually. Add about one-third of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing only until combined. Continue adding the rest of the flour mixture gradually, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Shape and bake the cookies. Roll the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
6. Cool the cookies. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the lime glaze. While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla, pinch of salt (if using), and key lime zest until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Adjust with additional powdered sugar or milk as needed.
8. Glaze the cookies. Once the cookies are completely cooled, either dip their tops into the glaze or spread it over the cookies with a knife. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
9. Store properly. Store remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh key limes if available for zest and juice.
• You can substitute regular lime zest and juice if key limes are not accessible.
• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the right dough texture.
• Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
• Adjust glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin.
• Cookies taste best when fully cooled before glazing to prevent melting the icing.

Keywords: Key lime cookies, lime zest, lime glaze, citrus cookies, soft cookies, buttery cookies, dessert cookies, homemade cookies