Description
These soft and chewy Key Lime Cookies offer a refreshing and delicious twist on classic cookies with the bright flavor of key lime. Featuring a tender texture and a zesty key lime glaze, they are quick to prepare and perfect for lime lovers looking for a delightful dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113g), softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¾ cup sugar (150g)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (50g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tsp key lime zest
- 1 ¾ cup flour (219g)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Key Lime Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp key lime juice
- 1-2 Tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp key lime zest
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda to ensure they are evenly combined. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a larger mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy in texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Lime Zest: Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars, beating until completely incorporated. Then stir in the key lime zest to infuse the dough with citrus flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing each time only until just combined. This helps to prevent overworking the dough and keeps the cookies tender.
- Form the Cookie Dough Balls: Roll the dough into smooth 1 ½ inch balls. Arrange them evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, allowing enough space for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes. They should look slightly puffy and the edges should not brown significantly. Remove from the oven once they appear just set to maintain softness.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Key Lime Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime juice, milk, vanilla extract, key lime zest, and a pinch of salt if desired. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar quantity to achieve your preferred glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once completely cooled, either dip each cookie into the glaze or spread the glaze over the top with a knife. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Store: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- If doubling or tripling the recipe, be sure to multiply all ingredients accordingly, as gram measures will not automatically convert.
- Use softened butter that holds its shape but yields slightly under gentle pressure; this affects the cookie texture significantly.
- Do not overbake the cookies; a slightly puffy appearance and lack of browning on edges means they will remain soft and chewy.
- Rolling dough into smooth balls rather than using a cookie scoop improves the appearance of the cookies without altering the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
