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Key Lime Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 92 reviews

Delight in these tangy and tender Key Lime Cookies, featuring a zesty key lime-infused dough and a luscious, sweet lime glaze. Perfectly soft with a refreshing citrus glaze, these cookies bring a bright burst of flavor to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (one stick)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 teaspoons key lime zest
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (219g)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Lime 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 Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat them for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Lime Zest: Add in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars and beat until fully incorporated. Then add the key lime zest and mix gently to evenly distribute the citrus flavor.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add about a third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until combined. Continue to slowly add the remaining flour mixture until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Shape and Bake Cookies: Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls and arrange them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the Lime Glaze: Once the cookies are fully cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and key lime zest in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk until desired thickness is reached.
  7. Glaze and Set: Dip each cookie into the lime glaze or spread it over the top with a knife. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for 4-5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
  • The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin it.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For extra brightness, use fresh key lime zest and juice if available.

Keywords: Key Lime Cookies, Lime Cookies, Citrus Cookies, Soft Cookies, Dessert, Baked Cookies, Key Lime Zest, Lime Glaze