• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Emily Laurae
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Portfolio
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Portfolio
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Cookies

    Easy Key Lime Cookies (With Recipe Video)

    Published: Apr 3, 2023 ยท Modified: Apr 1, 2024 by Emily Laurae ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Easy Key Lime Cookies.
    Easy Key Lime Cookies.
    Easy Key Lime Cookies.

    Looking for a taste of the tropics? Look no further than these sunshiny Key Lime Cookies! These sweet treats are bursting with the bright and tangy flavor of fresh key limes balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Best of all, theyโ€™re made with fewer than 10 simple ingredients.

    As if that werenโ€™t enough to love, this tender lime cookies recipe is finished off with a zesty lime glaze that adds a mouth-watering burst of tangy citrus flavor. Perfect for sharing with friends, or as a sweet treat to enjoy all on your own, these key lime cooler cookies are a delicious way to add some sunshine to your day.

    Key lime cookies on a wire rack.
    Jump to:
    • โญ Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipeย 
    • ๐ŸดIngredients
    • ๐Ÿ“–ย Step by Step Instructions
    • โฒ๏ธ Substitutions & Variations
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ Expert Tips
    • โ„๏ธ Storage Instructions
    • ๐Ÿ’ญ Recipe FAQs
    • More Drop Cookie Recipes
    • Key Lime Cookies
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

    โญ Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe 

    Now that warm weather is on the horizon, Iโ€™m craving all my favorite summer flavors. This key lime cookie recipe delivers in a big, bright, tangy way! They're perfect for serving at barbecues, picnics, or any other outdoor gathering where you want to add a little tropical flair. 

    But don't let their summery vibe fool you โ€” key lime cookies are also a great choice for any time of year. They're perfect for brightening up a dreary winter day, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

    Aside from being the food equivalent of a fun-filled day at the beach, this key lime cookies recipe is also:

    • Made With Just 10 Simple Ingredients - And Iโ€™d bet you already have most of them in your pantry.
    • Super Easy - This is a great recipe for any baker, even cookie novices - the quick lime glaze is a game changer!
    • Make Ahead-Friendly - Once baked and glazed, these citrusy lime cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months, meaning a sweet, tropical treat is never far from reach.
    • Perfect for Sharing - One thing I love about cookies is theyโ€™re ready for eating, no matter where you are or what youโ€™re doing packed with key lime flavor. Pack them for lunches, share them with co-workers, or sell them at a bake sale โ€” no knife required.

    Want some more tastes of the tropics? Check out my recipes for my passion fruit lime meringue  tart, dragon fruit smoothie, homemade sweet & sour, and my mango passion fruit mojitos next! 

    ๐ŸดIngredients

    Labeled ingredient shot of ingredients needed to make key lime cookies.

    As promised, you only need a few easy-to-find ingredients to make these scrumptious glazed lime cookies. Hereโ€™s your list for the grocery store:

    • All-Purpose Flour - Plain white flour is all you need for this key lime cookies recipe.
    • Baking Powder - This leavening agent helps cookies rise and gives them a light and fluffy texture. It works by releasing carbon dioxide gas when it comes into contact with moisture and heat during baking. Donโ€™t try swapping for baking soda; they are definitely not interchangeable.
    • Unsalted Butter - If possible, opt for brands that are marked organic, grass-fed, and/or cultured for the best consistency and flavor. 
    • Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Paste - For a deliciously dessert-y undertone that takes this key lime cookie recipe over the top.
    • Key Limes - Youโ€™ll need both the zest and juice for optimal juicy flavor, so reach for fresh. If you canโ€™t find key limes, feel free to grab a regular Persian lime for the zest and use Joe & Nellieโ€™s Famous Key West Lime Juice (or just use the Persian lime for both uses!).
    • Powdered Sugar - Also aptly known as โ€œicing sugar,โ€ this snow-white, powdery substance is the key to achieving a deliciously smooth lime glaze. If youโ€™re fresh out, you can easily make your own using a food processor, white sugar, and cornstarch or potato starch.

    See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    ๐Ÿ“– Step by Step Instructions

    This quick and simple recipe for citrusy cookies comes together in just a few easy steps:

    Adding lime zest, butter and sugar into a bowl.

    Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl or in a stand mixer until smooth, light, and fluffy.

    Bowl of key lime cookie dough in a bowl.

    Step 2: Add the large egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and key lime zest. Mix to combine, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Finally, add the flour mixture and mix until combined.

    Scooped cookie dough on parchment.

    Step 3: Scoop the dough into 1 inch balls with a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon and gently roll them smooth between your hands.

    Baked key lime cookies on a wire rack.

    Step 4: Bake on the prepared cookie sheet for 10 minutes. They should not be browned or have developed any color!

    Key lime icing in a small bowl.

    Step 5: Make Key Lime Glaze. Pour the key lime juice into the powdered sugar, gently whisking as the glaze comes together.

    Iced and garnished cookies on a wire rack.

    Step 6: Finish. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled soft cookies and top with some additional key lime zest. Allow the glaze to set completely, then enjoy!

    โฒ๏ธ Substitutions & Variations

    As much as I love these key lime cookies just as theyโ€™re written, feel free to adjust the recipe to fit your needs and preferences. Here are a few variations worth considering:

    • Gluten-Free - Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup all-purpose GF flour mix. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes before scooping and baking โ€” gluten-free flour is โ€œthirstierโ€ than wheat flour, so it needs time to absorb the liquid from the dough or the resulting cookies will end up grainy.
    • Dairy-Free - Simply use your favorite plant-based butter like Miyokoโ€™s.
    • Add-Ins - Add textural and flavor interest by stirring in any of the following:
    • Coconut - Indulge the Henry Nilsson lovers in your life by putting some shredded coconut flakes in your lime cookies.
    • Graham Crackers - Go for a key lime pie-cookie vibe by adding chunks of graham cracker crumbs to the batter.
    • White Chocolate Chips - White chocolate and key lime go together like PB&J.
    Glazed lime cookies with lime zest on top.

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ Expert Tips

    • Invest in a kitchen scale. Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements or use the scoop & sweep method to ensure consistency.
    • Softened butter and eggs at room temperature will incorporate better with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother dough and better cookie texture.
    • Chill dough if necessary. If your dough is too soft or sticky to handle, chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour will make it easier to work with.
    • Use the right baking sheet. Choose a light-colored baking sheet with a non-stick surface for even browning and to prevent sticking. Dark or non-stick baking sheets can cause the bottoms of the cookies to over-bake.
    • Use a cookie scoop to ensure that each cookie is the same size and shape, resulting in even baking and a more uniform appearance.
    • Don't overbake! Overbaking drop cookies can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Take them out of the oven when they are still pale around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after you take them out of the oven.
    • Cool the cookies on a wire rack rather than on the baking sheet. This will prevent them from becoming soggy from the residual heat and moisture on the baking sheet.

    โ„๏ธ Storage Instructions

    • Baked and glazed lime cookies should keep well at room temperature for a few days, or in the freezer for up to two months in an airtight container.
    • You can also feel free to freeze cookie dough balls for โ€œon-demandโ€ cookies in the future. When youโ€™re in need of a sweet treat, pull a ball (or 6 ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ) out of the freezer and bake according to the recipe directions, adding 2-3 minutes to the total bake time before glazing.

    Looking for more cookies to add to your cookie freezer stash? Here's some options to consider!

    • Mini M&M Cookies
    • Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
    • White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
    • Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies (Without Brown Sugar!)
    Cooled lime cookies on rack.

    ๐Ÿ’ญ Recipe FAQs

    What is the difference between key lime vs lime?ย 

    The main difference between key limes and regular limes is their size, flavor, and acidity.

    Key limes are smaller and more round than regular limes, with a thin, smooth, and yellowish-green skin that turns slightly yellow when ripe. They have a distinctive aroma and a strong, tart flavor that is more complex and floral than regular limes. Key limes are also less acidic than regular limes, which makes them a popular ingredient in many sweet and savory dishes.

    Regular limes, also known as Persian limes, are larger and more oval-shaped than key limes, with a thicker, bumpy, and darker green skin. They have a more acidic and less complex flavor than key limes and are tarter, making them a popular ingredient in beverages and cocktails.

    Can you substitute regular limes for key limes?

    Sure! While the flavor of your cookies will lack a little of the je ne sais quois that key limes bring to the table, regular lime cookies are also quite tasty.

    More Drop Cookie Recipes

    • Matcha cookies with white chocolate chips.
      Easy No-Chill Bakery-Style Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
    • Lemon white chocolate chip cookies on parchment.
      How to Bake Zesty Lemon and White Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Cookie butter cookies on a plate with cookie butter and flaky salt on top.
      Easy Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookies Recipe (No Chill!)
    • Molasses cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting.
      Ginger Molasses Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling

    If you try this recipe for Key Lime Cookies, please leave a ๐ŸŒŸ review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! ๐Ÿ“ง 

    Key Lime Cookies.

    Key Lime Cookies

    Looking for a taste of the tropics? Look no further than these sunshiny Key Lime Cookies! These sweet treats are bursting with the bright and tangy flavor of fresh key limes balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Best of all, theyโ€™re made with fewer than 10 simple ingredients.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Course: Cookies
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 27 Cookies
    Calories: 110kcal
    Author: Emily Laurae

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Medium bowl
    • Hand Mixer or stand electric mixer
    • Small cookie scoop one Tablespoon
    • Sheet Pan
    • Parchment Paper

    Ingredients

    Cookies

    • 2 cups (240 g) All-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
    • ยผ teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ยฝ cup (114 g) Unsalted Butter, room temperature
    • 1 cup (200 g) Sugar
    • 2 tablespoons Key lime zest
    • 1 Egg, room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract or vanilla paste
    • 1 tablespoon Lime juice

    Glaze Ingredients

    • 1 cups (120 g) Powdered sugar
    • ยฝ teaspoon Vanilla paste or extract
    • 2 tablespoons Key lime juice
    • Lime zest for garnish
    • โ…› teaspoon Citric acid

    Instructions

    Key Lime Cookies

    • Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF while you begin making the cookie dough.
    • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar and lime zest in a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, lime juice and key lime zest. Stir to combine. Finally, add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
      2 cups All-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons Baking Powder, ยผ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ยฝ cup Unsalted Butter, 1 cup Sugar, 2 tablespoons Key lime zest, 1 Egg, 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract or vanilla paste, 1 tablespoon Lime juice
    • Scoop into 1 tablespoon balls and gently roll them smooth between your hands. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
    • Bake for 10 minutes - you'll see that the cookies have not browned or developed any color! Remove the baking sheet from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes and then transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

    Key Lime Glaze & Garnish

    • Pour the key lime juice into the powdered sugar, gently whisking as the glaze comes together. Too thick for your liking? Add more juice. Too thin? Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar! Then dunk the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, letting the excess gently drip off and set on the wire rack.
      1 cups Powdered sugar, ยฝ teaspoon Vanilla paste or extract, 2 tablespoons Key lime juice
    • Combine zest with citric acid and add to the top of each cookie (if serving immediately).
      Lime zest for garnish, โ…› teaspoon Citric acid
    • Allow the glaze to set completely. If you're looking to store the cookies, they should keep well at room temperature for a few days, or in the freezer for up to two months in an airtight container, then garnish when enjoying!

    Video

    https://youtu.be/egAlpC-E99U[adthrive-in-post-video-playervideo-id="PV9RebC5"upload-date="2023-04-20T19:16:53.000Z"name="KeyLimeCookieswithLimeIcing"description="Lookingforatasteofthetropics?LooknofurtherthanthesesunshinyKeyLimeCookies!Thesesweettreatsareburstingwiththebrightandtangyflavoroffreshkeylimesbalancedwithjusttherightamountofsweetness.Bestofall,theyremadewithfewerthan10simpleingredients."player-type="default"override-embed="default"]

    Notes

    Expert Tips
    • Invest in a kitchen scale. Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements or use the scoop & sweep method to ensure consistency.
    • Softened butter and eggs at room temperature will incorporate better with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother dough and better cookie texture.
    • Chill dough if necessary. If your dough is too soft or sticky to handle, chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour will make it easier to work with.
    • Use the right baking sheet. Choose a light-colored baking sheet with a non-stick surface for even browning and to prevent sticking. Dark or non-stick baking sheets can cause the bottoms of the cookies to over-bake.
    • Use a cookie scoop to ensure that each cookie is the same size and shape, resulting in even baking and a more uniform appearance.
    • Don't overbake! Overbaking drop cookies can result in dry, crumbly cookies. Take them out of the oven when they are still pale around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after you take them out of the oven.
    • Cool the cookies on a wire rack rather than on the baking sheet. This will prevent them from becoming soggy from the residual heat and moisture on the baking sheet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    Enjoyed this recipe?Mention @emilylaurae or tag #emilylaurae!

    More Scrumptious Cookie Recipes

    • Chocolate chipless cookies on the counter with flakey sea salt.
      Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chipless Cookies
    • Sourdough discard chocolate chip cokies on parchment paper.
      Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies with Browned Butter (with video!)
    • Rye Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies.
      Easy Rye Flour Cookies with Chocolate & Toasted Hazelnuts
    • Scooped edible sugar cookie dough with sprinkles.
      How to Make Edible Sugar Cookie Dough (No Eggs, No Bake)

    About Emily Laurae

    Emily is the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Emily Laurae. After finishing Pastry School and working as a chef in the restaurant industry, she created this blog to share those skills with home bakers and creators all over the world!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Isaac

      September 19, 2023 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      This was easily the best cookie recipe I've ever made and it's a hit in the family! I recommend using less sugar for non American palettes, I added 180 grams of sugar instead of 200 which was great but could be even less. White chocolate chips were also heavenly in the supple and delicious cookies!

      Reply
    2. Marissa

      April 18, 2023 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      These cookies are so yummy! My cookie scoop is 1.5T, so I had to bake the cookies for ~5-7 minutes more (until the bottoms were slightly golden, but the tops still pale and soft). Although the dough itself has a great lime flavor, I highly recommend the icing because that's where the beautiful lime tartness came into play for me. I even added extra lime juice (+ half a lime) to the icing to ensure I achieved a true tart taste. I skipped the zest/citric acid garnish simply because I didn't have the acid on hand at the time, but when I make these again, I will definitely add this. I've stored these cookies in an airtight container on my kitchen counter for 3 days now and the cookies are just as good as day one! Thank you Emily for the fantastic recipe!

      Reply
      • Emily

        April 18, 2023 at 10:09 am

        You're so welcome Marissa! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed them - they're a favorite over here! โค๏ธ

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    emily laurae sidebar

    HELLO MY FRIENDS, I'M EMILY!

    I'm a professionally trained pastry chef, sharing a collection of my favorite recipes, tips, and tricks for you to create and enjoy in your home kitchen!

    RECIPES

    Spring Recipes

    • Mini lemon meringue tarts on the counter with toasted meringue.
      How to Make Mini Lemon Meringue Tarts with Homemade Lemon Curd
    • Strawberry charlotte cake on a white marble platter with small strawberries.
      How to Make a Classic Strawberry Charlotte Cake (Charlotte aux Fraises)
    • Strawberry macarons on the counter near fresh strawberries.
      How to Make Strawberry Macarons with Buttercream and Jam Filling
    • Lemon macarons on the counter filled with lemon buttercream and curd.
      Lemon Macarons โ€“ Filled with Lemon Swiss Meringue & Curd

    Trending Recipes

    • Dutch oven sourdough bread - baked in a dutch oven.
      How to make Sourdough Bread (Dutch Oven Method)
    • 15+ Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes for Cakes, Cocktails, Coffee, and More!
      15+ Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes for Cakes, Cocktails, Coffee, & More!๏ฟผ
    • How to make Sugared Berries
      How to make Sugared Berries
    • Chewy Molasses Cookies with Candied Ginger Stack
      Chewy Molasses Cookies with Candied Ginger
    • Medicine ball tea - Starbucks copycat.
      Medicine Ball (5 Minute Starbucks Copycat Hot Tea Recipe)
    • Sourdough grilled cheese sandwich sliced in half on a plate.
      The Ultimate Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich (with VIDEO)

    FEATURED ON

    Featured image including martha stewart, sur la table, southern living,walmart and albertsons.

    Footer

    About

    • About Page
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
    • Photography Gear Guide
    • Shop

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up so you're the first to know about new recipes, kitchen tips, and events!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Classes & Events
    • Collaborations & Partnerships
    • Special Orders

    Copyright ยฉ 2025 Emily Laurae of ACD Studio - All Rights Reserved

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.