Name: Key Lime Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose 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

If you love the bright, tangy zing of key lime but want something a bit more portable than pie, you’re absolutely going to adore this Key Lime Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture that citrusy burst in every tender, buttery bite and are perfectly balanced with a sweet, creamy glaze that’s just heavenly. Whether you’re serving them up for a party, a casual afternoon treat, or simply craving something fresh and delightful with your tea, these Key Lime Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re surprisingly simple to make and utterly addictive once baked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls with different baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There is one large transparent bowl at the bottom right filled with white flour. Above it, a clear measuring cup is filled with powdered sugar. To the left, a white bowl filled with fine white sugar is placed. Next to it, there are small white bowls holding brown sugar, one egg, clear liquid, lime zest, vanilla extract, small white granules, and melted butter still wrapped in paper. All the bowls are neatly arranged in a loose grid, viewed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect batch of Key Lime Cookies starts with a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the cookie’s soft texture, vibrant flavor, and that deliciously smooth glaze on top.

Unsalted butter: Use softened, room temperature butter for a creamy dough texture that bakes up tender and rich.
Large egg: Helps bind everything together while adding a bit of structure without heaviness.
Sugar: A mix of granulated and light brown sugar balances sweetness with a slight molasses complexity from the brown sugar.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth that harmonizes perfectly with the lime zest.
Key lime zest: Packs a fresh, aromatic punch that makes these cookies truly special.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives cookies their shape and softness.
Baking soda: Provides just enough lift for tender, light cookies.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness and bringing balance.
Powdered sugar: For the silky key lime glaze that adds sweetness and moisture.
Key lime juice: The starring citrus note that brightens the glaze with authentic tartness.
Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for dipping or spreading.
Extra vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a smooth, fragrant finish.
Pinch of salt (optional): Adds equilibrium to the glaze’s sweetness and tartness.
Additional key lime zest: Mixed into the glaze for extra citrus sparkle.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This ensures your rising agent is evenly distributed and prepares the foundation for your dough’s perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer. You’ll want to go high speed for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This airiness is the secret to soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Zest

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Next, fold in the key lime zest to infuse the batter with that signature citrusy aroma that defines the Key Lime Cookies Recipe.

Step 4: Gradually Mix in Flour

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, beating just until combined each time. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle to keep that tender crumb.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are just set but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a little extra zest to create the luscious glaze. Dip each cookie partially or spread the glaze with a knife and let it set before indulging.

How to Serve Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh lime slices or thin twists of lime peel beautifully complement these cookies when served on a platter. A sprinkle of extra zest atop the glaze adds a vibrant pop of color and an intensified citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cool glass of milk, a cup of green tea, or even chilled white wine for a sophisticated dessert pairing. The tangy flavor also works wonderfully with tropical fruit salads or creamy yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two glazed Key Lime Cookies with a spread of lime-flavored cream cheese or coconut buttercream for a delightful bite-sized treat. Alternatively, stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Key Lime Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 to 5 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the unglazed cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh cookies. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and glazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag once firm.

Reheating

To revive the soft texture, warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or a few minutes in a low-temperature oven. This gently refreshes the glaze and brings back that freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular limes for key limes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While key limes have a unique, more floral tartness, regular limes work well too and will still deliver plenty of bright citrus flavor in your cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set and just starting to turn golden, but the centers can look slightly soft. They firm up as they cool, giving you that tender, chewy texture.

Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?

Using a combination adds depth to the sweetness and moisture to the cookie. Brown sugar enriches the flavor with mild caramel notes, but you can experiment with just granulated sugar if needed.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some modifications like swapping butter for a plant-based alternative and using flax egg instead of a regular egg, you can create a vegan version. However, texture and flavor may vary slightly.

What is the best way to zest key limes?

Use a fine microplane or a zester to carefully remove just the green outer layer. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can add bitterness to your cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to brighten your baking routine with something fresh, sweet, and tangy, this Key Lime Cookies Recipe is calling your name. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll end up with cookies that taste like sunshine in every bite. Go ahead and treat yourself — you deserve a little slice of citrusy bliss!