Description
These zesty Key Lime Pie Cookies capture the bright, tangy flavors of classic key lime pie in a soft, buttery cookie. Featuring a lime-infused cookie dough enhanced with graham cracker crumbs for texture and a smooth lime glaze drizzle, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Ideal for summer gatherings or any time you crave a refreshing citrus treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 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
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- Lime zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, lime zest, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate Graham Cracker Crumbs: Fold in the graham cracker crumbs evenly throughout the dough to add a subtle, textured flavor reminiscent of a key lime pie crust.
- Form the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow room for slight expansion.
- Shape the Cookies: Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly, noting that these cookies will not spread much during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color and the centers are set.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lime juice in a small bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the lime juice amount to reach your preferred thickness.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the lime glaze over the top of each cookie using a spoon or fork for a decorative finish.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle a little extra lime zest on each glazed cookie to add a burst of bright color and enhance the lime flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: These tangy and sweet Key Lime Pie Cookies are perfect served with a refreshing beverage or enjoyed as a delightful treat any time of day.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Adjust the lime juice in the glaze gradually to avoid making it too runny or too thick.
- For an extra lime punch, add a little more lime zest to the cookie dough or glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best flavor; bottled lime juice may alter the taste.
