Name: Zesty Key Lime Cookies
Prep time: 33 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, (softened); ¾ cup (90 g) confectioners' sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon fresh key lime zest; 2 tablespoons key lime juice, (or regular lime juice); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; 4 ounces cream cheese, (room temperature); ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, (room temperature); 2 to 2 ½ cups (240 g to 300 g) confectioners' sugar

Key lime cookies are a delightful treat, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart that brightens any day. This recipe delivers incredibly soft and chewy cookies, infused with the vibrant essence of fresh key lime. The first time I tried to make these, I overmixed the dough, resulting in a tougher cookie; learning to mix just until combined is key for that perfect delicate texture. These key lime cookies are ideal for dessert tables, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Their bright flavor profile and tender crumb make them a standout.

⏱ Time: 45 min

👥 Servings: 24

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 10 ingredients

Zesty Key Lime Cookies

Key lime cookies: bake these soft, tangy, and irresistible treats. Featuring a vibrant key lime zest and a smooth cream cheese frosting.

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Prep Time 33

Cook Time 12

Total Time 45

Servings: 24

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, (softened)
¾ cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh key lime zest
2 tablespoons key lime juice, (or regular lime juice)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
4 ounces cream cheese, (room temperature)
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, (room temperature)
2 to 2 ½ cups (240 g to 300 g) confectioners’ sugar

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and key lime zest until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the key lime juice and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
Add the flour and mix just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Notes

– For the most intense key lime flavor, use fresh key limes over bottled juice. The zest is where much of the aroma resides. Make sure to only zest the green part of the rind.
– When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher key lime cookie. Stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
– Store leftover key lime cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

For the most intense key lime flavor, use fresh key limes over bottled juice. The zest is where much of the aroma resides. Make sure to only zest the green part of the rind.
When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher key lime cookie. Stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
Store leftover key lime cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

These key lime cookies are a true delight, offering a burst of citrus in every bite. Enjoy baking them and share the sunshine with friends and family!