Description
These Key Lime Pie Cookies capture the tangy, sweet flavors of classic key lime pie in a soft and crumbly cookie form. With a zesty lime-flavored dough and a smooth, citrus glaze, these cookies offer a refreshing twist perfect for summertime treats or anytime you crave a bright, citrusy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp lime zest (about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice (for glaze, adjust for desired consistency)
- Lime zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This should take about 3 minutes and creates a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the egg, lime zest, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and the dough is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Graham Cracker Crumbs: Gently fold the graham cracker crumbs into the cookie dough to evenly distribute them, adding texture and a hint of classic key lime pie crust flavor.
- Form the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow slight spreading.
- Flatten the Dough: Press down gently on each dough ball with the back of a spoon to slightly flatten it since these cookies don’t spread much while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lime juice in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the lime juice amount for your preferred consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies have fully cooled, drizzle the lime glaze over each cookie to add a sweet, tangy finish that complements the lime flavor.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle a bit of extra lime zest over the glazed cookies for a pop of color and intensified citrus aroma.
- Serve: Enjoy these refreshing Key Lime Pie Cookies as a delightful snack or dessert alongside a cool drink for a perfect citrus treat.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lime juice and zest to get the brightest flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less lime juice.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Graham cracker crumbs contribute to the traditional key lime pie flavor and texture.
