Description

These soft, buttery key lime cookies are bursting with tangy citrus flavor and topped with a shiny lime glaze. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and deliver all the sunshine of key lime pie in a handheld treat.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon key lime zest (about 2 key limes)
3 tablespoons key lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 to 2.5 tablespoons key lime juice (for glaze)
1 teaspoon key lime zest (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Bring butter and egg to room temperature. Wash and zest the key limes, then juice them.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg, key lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes (or 10 minutes in the freezer if short on time).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just barely golden and centers look set but still soft. Do not overbake.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and 2–2.5 tablespoons key lime juice until smooth and pourable.
Spoon or drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Top with extra lime zest while glaze is wet.
Allow glaze to set for about 15 minutes before stacking or serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh key lime juice and zest. Chilling the dough is essential for thick, soft cookies. If using regular limes, the cookies will be slightly less floral but still delicious. For gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter. Add coconut or nuts for variations. Glaze cookies only when fully cooled for the best finish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Sugar: 9
Sodium: 45
Fat: 4
Saturated Fat: 2.5
Carbohydrates: 17
Protein: 1

Keywords: key lime cookies, lime glaze, tangy dessert, easy cookies, citrus cookies, spring dessert, Florida keys, key lime pie cookies, summer cookies, party cookies