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    Urban Bliss Life » All Recipes » Cookie Recipes » Key Lime Cookies

    Published: July 18, 2022 / Updated: June 22, 2024 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Key Lime Cookies

    43 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    stack of key lime cookies on a plate next to several key limes with title text overlay.

    If you like the flavors of key lime pie, you'll love these Key Lime Pie Cookies! These are soft, pillowy sugar cookies with bright, zesty key lime flavors.

    several key lime cookies on a scalloped plate with a bowl of key limes above and a bright blue background.

    Citrus desserts are full of zesty, puckery, sweet yumminess. They sing of spring and summer days, sunshine, and happy days.

    Lemons are popular to use in baked goods, especially lemon cookies like these Lemon Crinkle Cookies and in the Sunshine Lemon Loaf recipe on page 17 of my cookbook, The Super Easy Teen Baking Cookbook.

    Orange is a classic, and is the perfect citrus for Mini Citrus Bundt Cakes and Orange Sorbet.

    And limes? They're a great alternative to lemons, like in these Mini Lime Tarts. And, in this tasty Key Lime Cookies recipe! They have the best flavor, and are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

    Jump to:
    • 🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • ✅ Step-by-step instructions
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
    • 🍽 Serving ideas
    • 🥂 Best wine pairings
    • More cookie recipes
    • Key Lime Cookies

    🌟 Why you'll love this recipe

    several key lime cookies laying on a baking rack with a bowl of key limes above.

    These chewy key lime cookies are sure to become a regular in your baking rotation. They might just become your new favorite cookie!

    • These chewy cookies are soft, pillowy, and absolutely addictively delicious!
    • This is an easy recipe that you can make in under an hour.
    • You can chill the dough or not chill the dough -- it's up to you! (see the FAQ section for details).
    • Each chewy sugar cookie is full of big, zesty key lime flavor.
    • The dough can be frozen, and so can baked cookies (after being cooled).

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    bowl of key limes on a blue background with green and white napkin.

    Key limes - Key limes are smaller than regular limes (see photo of key limes above), and have a much stronger aroma and flavor. A little bit of key lime goes a long way. If you can't find fresh key limes, you can substitute regular limes with a 1:1 ration for juice and zest.

    several bowls of ingredients to bake key lime sugar cookies on a blue background.
    • Eggs - One egg plus one egg yolk is needed to help give these cookies structure. Make sure the eggs are brought to room temperature before using. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly, giving you a smooth batter and fluffier cookies.
    • Butter - Use unsalted butter that is softened to room temperature. It should be soft enough for an indentation to appear when you press a finger into it, but not too soft that your finger easily presses through the butter. If the butter is too soft, the cookies will likely spread too thin.
    • Salt - Fine sea salt (not course) lends a softer salty balance of flavor to these cookies. You can use table salt or kosher salt instead if you prefer.

    ✅ Step-by-step instructions

    Here are some step-by-step photos to show you how to make this easy key lime cookie recipe. You'll find the full list of ingredients and more detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    hand zesting a key lime over a bowl of granulated sugar.
    bowl of sugar and key lime zest.
    1. In a shallow bowl, add ¼ cup of granulated sugar and mix in the ½ teaspoon of fresh lime zest into the sugar; set aside.
    green bowl filled with flour, baking powder, salt, and key lime zest.
    sticks of butter in the bowl of a stand mixer.

    2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon zest. Set aside.

    3. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and remaining 1 cup of sugar for about 3 to 4 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy, scraping down the sides with a spatula as necessary.

    adding eggs to batter to make key lime sugar cookies in a stand mixer.
    key lime cookie batter mixing in a stand mixer

    4. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and key lime juice. Mix on low until the ingredients are well incorporated.

    flour mixing in with wet ingredients to make key lime cookies.
    stand mixer with paddle attachment with key lime cookie batter.

    5. Gradually add in the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) until the batter is creamy and consistent.

    key lime cookie batter shaped into a log on parchment paper.
    parchment paper rolled with key lime cookie batter on marble countertop

    6. Transfer dough to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, or form dough into a log and wrap in parchment paper. Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.

    Before taking the dough out of the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    scoop taking key lime cookie batter out of chilled dough.
    rolling a key lime cookie dough ball into granulated sugar with key lime zest.
    key lime cookie dough balls rolled in granulated sugar placed on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

    7. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and use a scoop or a spoon to scoop out approximately one heaping tablespoon full of dough to form a ball.

    8. Roll dough ball into the prepared shallow bowl that has the ¼ cup granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon lime zest, until coated on all sides.

    9. Place onto the prepared lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, placing dough balls approximately 2 inches apart since the dough will spread.

    Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the centers are no longer glossy. If baking two pans at a time, be sure to rotate each cookie sheet from one rack to the other, and from back to front, halfway through the baking time.

    Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

    key lime cookies on a plate with a side bowl of key limes.
    Do I have to chill this cookie dough?

    Chilling the key lime cookie sugar dough for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours allows the dough to set and bake more evenly. While you could bake these cookies without chilling the dough, the chance of the cookies spreading thin when baking is greater. If you can, always chill cookie dough. It creates greater structure and shape to most cookies.

    What if I can't find key limes?

    You can use regular limes instead of key limes.

    What's the best way to store these cookies?

    Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

    Can I freeze the dough before or after baking?

    Yes! To freeze the dough before baking: simply follow through Step 6 above, and place the dough log into a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag, seal tightly, for up to one month. Allow the frozen dough to thaw slightly at room temperature (about 15-30 minutes) before baking.

    To freeze baked cookies: allow the cookies to cool completely. Then store in an airtight, freezer-friendly container with parchment paper between each row of cookies to prevent them from sticking to one another. Seal shut, and freeze for up to one month. Allow to thaw before eating.

    🍽 Serving ideas

    stack of key lime cookies on a scalloped plate with key limes around the cookies.

    These key lime sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but also make a festive addition to any brunch, spring or summer soiree, picnic, or celebration.

    Serve them at the dessert table along with Mini Fruit Tarts and a blueberry galette.

    Main courses that would pair well leading up to these cookies include Air Fryer Crab Legs, Prawns Canapé, and Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.

    Or pack a picnic lunch along with Chicken Salad Sandwiches or BLT Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad, and these yummy sugar cookies with lime!

    🥂 Best wine pairings

    You could also enjoy these lime cookies with a chilled, off-dry Riesling. Cheers!

    More cookie recipes

    If you like this cookie recipe, try one of these yummy cookie recipes next! We've got the best cookies in our entire collection of cookie recipes.

    • plate of matcha crinkle cookies
      Matcha Crinkle Cookies
    • ube white chocolate chip cookies stacked on top of one another on a white plate.
      Ube White Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • lavender shortbread cookies piled on top of a cake pedestal
      Lavender Shortbread Cookies
    • strawberry crinkle cookies on a plate
      Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

    stack of key lime cookies on a plate next to several key limes.

    Key Lime Cookies

    5 from 7 votes
    Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Chill time: 30 minutes mins
    Total Time: 1 hour hr
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    These sugar cookies are soft and fluffy with bright key lime flavors.
    Servings: 30 cookies
    Calories: 129kcal
    PRINT PIN RATE 🤍 SAVESaved!

    Equipment

    • 2 Baking Sheets

    Ingredients

    • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1½ teaspoons key lime zest, divided
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
    • 1¼ cup granulated sugar, divided
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon key lime juice
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • In a shallow bowl, add ¼ cup of granulated sugar and mix in the ½ teaspoon of fresh lime zest into the sugar; set aside.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon zest. Set aside.
    • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and remaining 1 cup of sugar for about 3 to 4 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy, scraping down the sides with a spatula as necessary.
    • Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and key lime juice. Mix on low until the ingredients are well incorporated.
    • Gradually add in the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) until the batter is creamy and consistent.
    • Transfer dough to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, or form dough into a log and wrap in parchment paper. Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
    • Before taking the dough out of the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • Take the dough out of the refrigerator and use a scoop or a spoon to scoop out approximately one heaping tablespoon full of dough to form a ball. Roll dough ball into the prepared shallow bowl that has the ¼ cup granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon lime zest, until coated on all sides. Place onto the prepared lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, placing dough balls approximately 2 inches apart since the dough will spread.
    • Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the centers are no longer glossy. If baking two pans at a time, be sure to rotate the pans from one rack to the other, and from back to front, halfway through the baking time.
    • Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

    Notes

    Makes approximately 30 cookies
    Key limes: Key limes are smaller than regular limes and have a distinctive, stronger aroma and flavor. If you cannot find key limes, you may use regular limes. 
    Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 
    To freeze the dough before baking: simply follow through Step 6 above, and place the dough log into a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag, seal tightly, for up to one month. Allow the frozen dough to thaw slightly at room temperature (about 15-30 minutes) before baking.
    To freeze baked cookies: allow the cookies to cool completely. Then store in an airtight, freezer-friendly container with parchment paper between each row of cookies to prevent them from sticking to one another. Seal shut, and freeze for up to one month. Allow to thaw before eating. 
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Sherry Pike says

        April 27, 2025 at 6:10 pm

        Can’t get key limes right now. Can I use regular limes? Maybe increase the sugar a little?

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          April 28, 2025 at 11:53 am

          5 stars
          Hi, Sherry! Yes, you can absolutely substitute regular limes. They are more tart than key limes, so if you want to use a little less and/or add a little more sugar to balance it out, that's up to you. If you do the substitution, let us know if you decided to decrease the amount and/or add sugar and let us know how it goes!

      2. Tavo says

        July 18, 2022 at 9:55 pm

        5 stars
        Everything I want from a cookie, this essential lime cookie has. Thanks for the recipe!

        Reply
      3. Liza says

        July 18, 2022 at 9:19 pm

        5 stars
        Oh my goodness, what a special cookie recipe! I love the citrusy flavor, those flecks of bright green lime zest, and that dash of salt in the dough - pure bliss!

        Reply
      4. Aimee Mars says

        July 18, 2022 at 8:56 pm

        5 stars
        You had me a soft and pillowy! Really, I love key lime anything and these are summer perfect. I'm going to bring a batch to my friend's barbecue this weekend.

        Reply
      5. Amanda says

        July 18, 2022 at 8:32 pm

        5 stars
        These are such great summer cookies! They had the perfect soft texture, and the key lime flavor came through beautifully.

        Reply
      6. Chenée says

        July 18, 2022 at 8:21 pm

        5 stars
        I love key lime pie so I KNOW i'll love these! Yum!

        Reply
      5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me →

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