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Key Lime Cookies

Soft and chewy key lime cookies with a bright citrus flavor and sweet powdered sugar coating. This easy citrus cookies recipe is perfect for quick baking and everyday treats.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Servings: 20
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp key lime juice
  • 1 tsp key lime zest
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, smooth, and creamy with no visible lumps.
  2. Add the egg to the mixture and beat well until fully combined. Pour in the key lime juice and add the lime zest. Mix until the batter is smooth and slightly fluffy.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape.
  5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm it up and make it easier to handle.
  6. Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls about the size of a tablespoon.
  7. Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated with a thick, even layer.
  8. Place the coated dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Chill the dough before baking so the cookies keep their shape and stay soft in the center.
  • Use fresh key lime juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor. Bottled juice will not taste as fresh.
  • If key limes are not available, regular limes can be used instead.
  • Do not overbake the cookies. The centers should still look soft when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
  • Roll the dough generously in powdered sugar for a sweeter coating and a pretty cracked finish.
  • For extra lime flavor, add additional lime zest to the dough or a light lime glaze after baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
  • For a tropical variation, mix in shredded coconut or white chocolate chips.