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Key Lime Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

These Key Lime Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with a bright lime flavor. Featuring a buttery cookie base infused with fresh key lime zest and topped with a tangy key lime glaze, they’re perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack. The glaze adds a beautiful citrusy sweetness that complements the subtle tartness of the cookies, making them a delightful treat for lime lovers.

Ingredients

Cookie 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

Glaze Ingredients

  • 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 prepare dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Continue beating for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy in texture.
  3. Add egg, vanilla, and lime zest: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Stir in the key lime zest. Then add about one-third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour mixture, mixing slowly and only until a dough forms.
  4. Shape and bake cookies: Roll the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Prepare key lime glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla extract, pinch of salt (if using), and key lime zest in a bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk if needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable glaze.
  6. Glaze cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, either dip the tops into the glaze or spread it over each cookie with a knife. Let the glaze set for several minutes before serving.
  7. Storage: Store any remaining glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days to keep them fresh and soft.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
  • If you can’t find key limes, regular lime zest is a fine substitute but will slightly change the flavor.
  • The glaze consistency can be adjusted for dipping or spreading by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or milk for a thinner glaze.
  • Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
  • For extra lime flavor, you can sprinkle a little additional lime zest on top of the glaze before it sets.

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