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    You are here: Home / Desserts / Cookies / Key Lime Cookies

    Key Lime Cookies

    Last Updated May 21, 2022. Published May 21, 2022 By Lorie 12 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Key lime iced cookie on counter with crumbs, lime and other cookies surrounding it.

    Move over pie, these soft and chewy Key Lime Cookies are so refreshing and delicious. The perfect texture cookie iced with a key lime glaze--these simple cookies are every lime lover's dream come true! Only 10 minutes to prepare the cookie dough!

    Key lime cookie with lime glaze on counter with other cookies and limes surrounding.

    Citrus and cookies is seriously the best. Orange cookies, lemon cookies and now these chewy iced key lime cookies. I cannot get enough, especially when the sun is shining!

    I mean, I will never deny a chocolate chip cookie, but there is something so refreshing about these lime cookies that make them so irresistible and a great way to switch things up a bit.

    These Iced Key Lime Cookies Are:

    • Soft and chewy texture
    • Super refreshing
    • Very simple to make
    • Packed with lime flavor in the cookie and the icing
    • A perfect summery cookie--just like these Lemon Sugar Cookies

    Recipe Ingredients:

    • butter: unsalted and softened to room temperature
    • sugar: I use regular, granulated
    • brown sugar: opt for light brown sugar when making these iced lime cookies
    • egg: a large egg, brought to room temperature for
    • vanilla: I prefer vanilla extract but if you want a stronger lime flavor, you could do ½ teaspoon of vanilla and ½ teaspoon lime extract.
    • key limes: I only use the zest for the cookies and then zest and juice for the icing. The zest makes for a nice vibrant key lime flavor.
    • flour: all purpose, measured at 219 grams if possible to weigh your flour. If not, spoon to aerate and then scoop and level your flour.
    • baking soda: make sure your baking soda is fresh! It is key to successful key lime cookies, or any cookies for that matter!
    • salt: I use sea salt
    • powdered sugar:

    What is the Difference Between Key Limes and Regular Limes?

    Key limes and regular limes are very different in the way they look. Key limes are very small and round. Their skin is also very thin as compared to your typical lime.

    The flavor of a key lime is more tart and more aromatic with floral hints as compared to your typical lime.

    Key limes are not always easy to find so if all you can get your hands on is regular limes, they can still certainly be used. The flavor will be slightly different, but once baked it's not as noticeable as you would think. Both are refreshing!

    How to Make These Key Lime Cookies:

    Start by creaming the butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat on a high level for at least a minute or so until light and fluffy. Don't skimp on creaming!

    Add egg and vanilla and beat until mixed in. Then slowly add in the mixed dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and salt) about ⅓ at a time along with the lime zest just until mixed in. Make sure not to over mix once you start adding the flour.

    Pull the dough together and roll into about 1 ½ inch balls. You should not need to chill the key lime cookie dough, but if they spread too much you can chill for about 15 minutes.

    Bake in preheated oven for about 9-11 minutes. Pull them out just before you think they are ready if you like your cookies soft and chewy.

    • Creamed butter and sugar in mixing bowl.
    • Flour and lime zest added to cookie dough ingredients in mixing bowl.
    • Key lime cookie dough prepared in mixing bowl.
    • Cookies rolled into balls and arranged on parchment lined cookie sheet.

    Allow the key lime cookies to cool before icing. Mix the icing ingredients together and adjust the thickness by adding more liquid or more powdered sugar. I like to let the key lime icing sit for about 5-10 minutes before icing the cookies as it is less runny when icing.

    You can dip the cookies in the lime glaze or spread the icing over top. Whichever you prefer! Sprinkle with extra key lime zest to make them look even more beautiful.

    Store these cookies in an air tight container for about 4-5 days at room temperature, although they are the chewiest in the first 3 days after baking.

    Lime icing for cookies in mixing bowl with whisk.

    Recipe Tips:

    • Make sure your butter is softened. This is a huge factor in the texture of these key lime cookies. You don't want the butter too hard or starting to melt. Softened butter should hold its shape well but make a slight imprint when you press into it with your finger.
    • Don't over bake your cookies. To get that super soft and chewy texture that is not too dry, you want to pull these cookies out of the oven almost before you think they are ready. The edges don't really brown and the cookies may still look a touch puffy but that is ok.
    • Roll into smooth balls versus using a cookie scoop. This will not impact the taste of the cookies, but I found the look of the cookies was much prettier when rolled into balls versus using a cookie scoop. This is probably more of a personal preference, but I love pretty cookies and I imagine most people do as well!

    Storing Your Key Lime Cookies:

    While these cookies will typically get gobbled up super fast, you may still need to store some for a bit. At room temperature, you can store them in an air tight container for up to 4-5 days. I find them to be the best texture within the first three days but are perfectly edible still a couple days more.

    You can refrigerate them if preferred for about 5 days. If you would like to freeze baked cookies, make sure they are completely cooled before freezing. I think it's better freezing them without the key lime glaze and then adding it to the cookies once thawed, but you can freeze them iced if preferred.

    Freezing The Cookie Dough:

    If freezing the cookie dough, I prefer rolling the dough into balls and then freezing. Put them in a freezer safe bag or container spaced out until frozen.

    You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. You can bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-4 minutes to baking time or thaw to room temperature and then bake according to normal directions.

    Stack of key lime cookies on cooling rack with bite taken out of top cookie.

    Other Cookie Recipes:

    • Birthday Cake Cookies
    • Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies
    • Egg Free Sugar Cookies
    • Red Velvet Cake Cookies
    • Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies
    • Lucky Charm Cookies
    • Peppermint Chip Cookies

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    Key lime cookie with lime glaze and zest on counter.

    Key Lime Cookies

    Move over pie, these soft and chewy Key Lime Cookies are so refreshing and delicious. The perfect texture cookie iced with a key lime glaze--these simple cookies are every lime lover's dream come true! Only 10 minutes to prepare the cookie dough!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: cookies, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 24 cookies
    Calories: 123kcal
    Author: Lorie Yarro

    Ingredients 

    Cookies:

    • ½ c unsalted butter, softened to room temperature one stick
    • 1 large egg
    • ¾ c sugar
    • ¼ c light brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2-3 teaspoon key lime zest
    • 1 ¾ c flour 219g
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Key Lime Glaze:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 T key lime juice
    • 1 T milk
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
    • Pinch of salt optional
    • ½ teaspoon key lime zest

    Instructions

    For The Cookies:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, salt and baking soda in a small bowl and set aside. Combine butter, brown sugar and sugar in a separate mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high to cream for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy texture.
    • Add in the egg and vanilla and beat until mixed in. Add in the lime zest and then ⅓ of the flour mixture beating only until mixed in. Continue slowly adding the flour mixture until dough forms.
    • Roll the dough into 1 ½ inch balls and arrange on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes and then transfer to cooling rack.
    • Once cookies are completely cooled, whisk together the lime glaze ingredients, adjusting liquid or powdered sugar to desired thickness. Allow the glaze to sit for several minutes and then dip cookies or spread the glaze over top with a knife.
    • Allow the icing to set and then enjoy! Store remaining cookies in an air tight container for 4-5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe? I would love to see it! Mention @LemonsAndZest or tag #LemonsAndZest!

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    Comments

    1. Sarah says

      December 22, 2022 at 10:57 am

      5 stars
      So delicious and so easy. They were a huge hit at my holiday party. My favorite comment of the night (besides "wow, so citrusy!) was that they were "competition good." Definitely going to be baking more right now. =)

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        December 22, 2022 at 11:00 am

        Sarah you have made my day!!! Thanks so much for sharing and happy they were such a hit!

        Reply
    2. Kate says

      December 21, 2022 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      These were delicious and a huge hit! I love key lime pie but don’t always feel like making it so thought I’d try these cookies and was very pleased. Quick and easy too! I even sprinkled a little crushed graham cracker on top of the icing. 😋

      Can’t wait to make again!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        December 22, 2022 at 11:01 am

        Thanks so much Kate for sharing. I will not be adding graham crackers over top to mine—what a great idea!

        Reply
    3. Terica says

      August 31, 2022 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious even when warm. I couldn't wait for it to completely cool to taste it. They are delicious without the glaze as well! Easiest cookie recipe I've tried and came out perfect first time. I did chill my dough to form balls easier.

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        September 03, 2022 at 5:27 pm

        Yay!!! These have been my summer OBSESSION. S happy you love them too!

        Reply
    4. Emily says

      August 26, 2022 at 11:57 pm

      These were so unbelievably delicious. The perfect texture and just the right amount of sweetness and lime. Everyone’s new favorite dessert at our house!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        August 31, 2022 at 9:38 am

        Yay!!! Happy to hear my fave cookie worked well for you!!

        Reply
    5. Susan says

      August 12, 2022 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent, easy, fast, and
      delicious!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        August 15, 2022 at 2:38 pm

        That is what I love to hear!

        Reply
    6. Kyle says

      June 09, 2022 at 8:48 pm

      Hands down, very delicious!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        June 10, 2022 at 8:57 pm

        So so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!! Thanks!

        Reply

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    Hello! I’m Lorie, welcome to lemons + zest! If you love to eat, and you love delicious, simple recipes, then you are in the right place. When it comes to cooking these days, I firmly believe that if it takes too long, or too much work to make, then it’s not for me. Read More…

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