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Key Lime Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

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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

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