Description
Key Lime Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with fresh key lime juice and zest and finished with a sweet lime glaze, these cookies are a refreshing treat perfect for spring and summer gatherings or anytime you want a tangy, sweet dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, fresh key lime juice, and key lime zest to the creamed butter mixture, then beat until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overworking it, which helps maintain tenderness.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, fresh key lime juice, and key lime zest together until smooth and pourable to create a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the lime glaze over the cooled cookies evenly, then allow the glaze to set before serving to ensure a perfect finish.
Notes
- Fresh key lime juice and zest provide the best, most authentic citrus flavor.
- Avoid overbaking the cookies as they should remain soft and tender in the center.
- If key limes are unavailable, regular Persian limes make a suitable substitute.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
