Key Lime Pie Cookies

If you love the bright, tangy flavor of key lime pie but in a fun, portable form, these Key Lime Pie Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with that signature tart lime flavor and a buttery, graham cracker crunch in every bite. It’s like a key lime pie met a cookie and had a deliciously sweet baby. These cookies are perfect for everything—summer BBQs, a snack with your afternoon coffee, or just whenever you need a little burst of citrus sunshine. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Pie Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies bring a little bit of summer to any day. Here’s why they’re such a favorite:

• Versatile: These cookies are great for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family gathering, a fun afternoon snack, or a holiday treat. They’re light and refreshing but still pack a sweet punch.
• Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like flour, butter, and lime, you probably have most of what you need already in your pantry. No need to hunt for fancy items here!
• Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, and the dough comes together in no time. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to whip up these delicious cookies. They’re perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Customizable: While the tangy lime flavor is the star, you can always get creative. Add a little extra zest for more citrusy zing, or drizzle some white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or coworkers, these cookies are sure to be a hit. They’re bright, refreshing, and totally irresistible—no one can stop at just one!

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what goes into these Key Lime Pie Cookies—each ingredient has a role in bringing those zesty, sweet flavors together into cookie perfection.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough. It creates the soft, chewy texture we love in cookies. It helps hold everything together while allowing the lime to shine through.
• Baking Soda: This little leavening agent gives the cookies that perfect rise and fluffiness, so they’re not too dense. It helps create a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, especially that tangy lime.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter makes everything better! It creates a rich, smooth texture and gives the cookies that buttery flavor we all crave.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps create the cookie’s chewy consistency and the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tart lime.
• Egg: The egg helps bind the dough together and gives the cookies a soft texture. It also helps with the cookies’ golden color.
• Key Lime Juice: This is the star! Freshly squeezed key lime juice (or regular lime juice if you can’t find key limes) provides that signature tangy citrus flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.
• Lime Zest: For an extra punch of lime flavor, we’ll add the zest. It adds freshness and makes each bite even more refreshing.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the cookies that classic key lime pie crust flavor. The buttery, crunchy bits in every bite will make you feel like you’re eating an actual key lime pie.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Key Lime Pie Cookies, step by step:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden and chewy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The air you whip into the butter will make your cookies extra tender.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, key lime juice, and lime zest to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. The lime juice will add that tangy kick we’re all after, while the zest adds depth and freshness to the flavor.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your cookies soft and chewy.

6. Add the Graham Cracker Crumbs

Stir in the graham cracker crumbs. This is what gives your cookies that iconic key lime pie crunch! The crumbs should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re still a little soft in the center when you take them out.

9. Let Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re fully cooled, these cookies are ready to enjoy! Serve them with a cold glass of milk, or a hot cup of tea—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18
Calories per serving: 160

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate the experience:

• With a Sweet Drink: Pair these cookies with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a cold brew coffee. The citrusy flavors in the cookies complement the refreshing beverages beautifully.
• Dipped in White Chocolate: For an extra indulgence, drizzle or dip the cookies in melted white chocolate. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the tart lime flavor.
• As a Gift: Pack them up in a cute box with a ribbon for a homemade gift. Who wouldn’t love a batch of these zesty, sweet cookies?
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve the cookies alongside some fresh berries or tropical fruits, like mango or pineapple, for a bright and colorful treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make these cookies even better:

• Prep Ahead: If you’re in a rush, you can make the dough ahead of time. Simply chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add More Zest: If you’re a lime lover, don’t hesitate to add more zest to the dough. It will give the cookies an even stronger lime flavor.
• Make the Cookies Smaller: If you prefer bite-sized treats, scoop smaller portions of dough and bake for about 8-10 minutes.
• Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
• For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a subtle flavor boost.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
A1: Yes! If you can’t find key limes, regular lime juice works perfectly fine. The flavor will still be amazing!

Q2: Can I add more graham cracker crumbs?
A2: Absolutely! You can add more graham cracker crumbs for a crunchier texture or to enhance the key lime pie flavor.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?
A3: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and chewy!

Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Q5: Can I use coconut in the cookies?
A5: Yes! If you love coconut, feel free to stir in some shredded coconut for an added tropical touch.

Q6: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A6: You can definitely try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be a bit different, but the flavor will still shine!

Q7: Can I make these cookies without graham cracker crumbs?
A7: You can skip the graham cracker crumbs, but they really add that key lime pie feel. If you prefer a different texture, try adding some crushed digestive biscuits or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.

Q8: How can I make these cookies more tart?
A8: Add a little extra lime zest or key lime juice to the dough for an even more tangy punch.

Q9: Can I drizzle chocolate on these cookies?
A9: Yes! Drizzling some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies is a delicious way to add sweetness and elegance.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you want to make a bigger batch for a party or to share with friends, just double the ingredients and bake in batches.

Conclusion

These Key Lime Pie Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. They bring all the flavors of a key lime pie into a soft, chewy cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a new summer treat or simply craving something citrusy and fresh, these cookies will hit the spot every time. Go ahead, bake a batch, and get ready to fall in love with these zesty, delightful cookies!

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