key lime cookies Archives - Family Cookie Recipes

KEY LIME COOKIES

Jessica — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:35:29 +0000

Key Lime Cookies are buttery sugar cookies topped with a creamy key lime filling and freshly whipped cream. Everything you love about key lime pie, in a cookie!

Highlights of these Key Lime Pie Cookies

This recipe offers a balanced combination of buttery sugar cookies, tangy key lime filling, and light whipped cream topping. You get the classic key lime pie flavor in a portable, easy-to-eat cookie!
You’ll appreciate the use of real lime juice and zest, which deliver fresh citrus notes without artificial aftertaste.
The cookie dough itself is simple, made with common ingredients like butter, brown and white sugar, and baking powder. This keeps the process straightforward while ensuring a tender, flavorful base.

Ingredients for Key Lime Cookies

Butter: Use ½ cup of salted butter, softened, for rich tasting cookies.

Sugars: You need ½ cup of both brown sugar and white granulated sugar for this recipe.

Egg: For great cookie texture, add in 1 large egg.

Extract: Enhance the flavor by using 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Flour: Create the structural base of this dough with 1 ¼ cup of flour.

Baking powder: The leavening agent in this cookie recipe is 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Graham crackers: Use ¼ cup of crushed graham crackers for incredible taste & texture in these cookies.

Key Lime Filling

Condensed milk: You’ll need one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.

Lime juice: Give the filling great flavor by using ⅓ cup of lime juice, fresh is best!

Powder sugar: Sweeten the mixture by adding ½ cup of powdered sugar.

Whipped Cream Topping

Heavy cream: The base of this topping is 1 cup of heavy cream.

Sugar: Add ½ tablespoon of white granulated sugar for a subtle, sweet taste.

Extract: Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for this topping.

Lime zest: Add more citrus flavor by adding fresh lime zest, for topping the cookies.

Tips for making bakery style Key Lime Cookies

Full instructions are in the recipe card below, but here are a few tips to ensure great cookie results!

Chilling the key lime pie filling is not a necessary step, but will make it a little easier to work with. The filling is a little thick, but chilling it makes it easier to scoop and transfer to your cookies without spilling any.
If you don’t let your cookies cool then the key lime pie filling will get soft and might slide out of the cookie a little bit when picked up. The residual heat can also cause the whipped cream to “melt”.
For more lime flavor, you can add ½ tablespoon of lime zest to your cream before you whip it. You can also add a tablespoon of lime zest to your cookie dough. If you want to add it to your cookie dough then you can add it along with the egg and vanilla. Also, adding a little bit of powdered sugar to the key lime pie filling will help give it some extra stability, making it much easier to scoop.

Serving & Storing Lime Cookies with filling

Serve your key lime cookies chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

You can store these cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days. The fridge is going to dry them out faster which is why they won’t last up to a week like many other cookies.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Store the cookies without topping and add whipped cream just before serving. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Key Lime Cookies Recipe

Key Lime Cookies are buttery sugar cookies topped with a creamy key lime filling and freshly whipped cream. Everything you love about key lime pie, in a cookie!

Course Cookies, Cookies, Dessert, Desserts

Cuisine American

Keyword Key Lime Cookies

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Chill Time 30

Total Time 1 2

Servings cookies

Calories 394kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ cup crushed graham crackers

Key Lime Filling

14 oz sweetened condensed milk
⅓ cup lime juice
½ cup powdered sugar

Whipped Cream Topping

1 cup heavy cream
½ TBSP white granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
fresh lime zest for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment and set aside.
Cream the butter, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for about 3 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl. Whisk for another 2 minutes, or until the egg is fully incorporated with the creamed butter.
Add the flour, baking powder, and graham cracker crumbs. Whisk the dry and wet ingredients together until just combined. Make sure there are no hidden pockets of creamed sugar or dry flour in the cookie dough.
Divide the cookie dough into 12 evenly sized balls and roll them in your hands so they are smooth and uniform. Line the cookie sheet with the cookie dough, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes.
Right after you take your cookies out of the oven, use a small glass or bowl to push into the center of each cookie. This will create the indent that will hold your key lime pie filling.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before you fill them. You can work on making your filling as they cool.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and lime juice. Chill the key lime pie filling in the fridge for 20 minutes. Whip the cream, vanilla, and sugar together for a few minutes, or until it begins to form stiff peaks.
Fill each cookie with a spoonful of the key lime pie filling and then top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Sprinkle with a pinch of lime zest, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Store your lime cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Can you substitute regular lime juice for key lime juice?

Yes, regular lime juice can substitute key lime juice with minimal flavor difference. Key limes have a slightly more tart and aromatic profile, but the overall citrus flavor will still work well.

If you prefer a stronger tartness, consider adding a bit of lime zest along with regular lime juice to mimic key lime flavor more closely.

Is there a way to make a gluten-free version of Lime Cookies?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Use gluten-free graham crackers or omit them entirely.

Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid contamination. Keep the rest of the recipe the same for texture and flavor.

For more zesty citrus recipes, try some of our favorites here:

For a simple recipe that yields delight results, make a batch of Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies. They are perfectly chewy and bursting with citrus flavor!
These simple Lime Sugar Cookies are loaded with amazing lime flavor! A simple recipe with a fun little citrus twist.
Making these Lemon Blueberry Muffin Cookies from scratch is so easy, use fresh blueberries and lemon for amazing flavor!
Our Almond Citrus Shortbread Cookies are bursting with fresh orange flavor which pairs beautifully with the almonds! These cookies are a unique twist on a classic treat.
For a burst of fresh citrus flavor, give these Strawberry Lemon Thumbprint Cookies a try. The lemon dough is filled with strawberry jam and topped with a tangy lemon glaze that’s just the right amount of zest!
Light & delicious Lemon Sandwich Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. The tender cookie combined with the tangy lemon filling makes them an irresistible treat!

Key Lime Cookies taste as vibrant and creamy as the original pie, but with a softer, portable twist. These lime cookies deliver a mix of tartness from fresh lime juice and zest, sweetness from brown and powdered sugars, and a satisfying texture enhanced by graham cracker crumbs!

The post KEY LIME COOKIES appeared first on Family Cookie Recipes.

KEY LIME PIE COOKIES

Jessica — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 19:35:37 +0000

Key Lime Pie Cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a buttery cookie base, tangy lime filling, and sweet lime frosting, these lime cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the taste of key lime pie!

To make this recipe for frosted sugar cookies, you will need a few simple ingredients, including butter, sugars, an egg, lime zest, lime juice, flour, and salt. With these ingredients in hand, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious key lime cookies in no time.

The BEST Key Lime Cookies Recipe

These Key Lime Pie Cookies are a delicious and flavorful treat that combines the tangy taste of lime with the sweetness of brown sugar and the richness of butter. The cookies have a soft and chewy texture that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The lime zest adds a burst of citrus flavor to every bite, while the combination of dark brown sugar and white sugar gives the cookies a caramel-like sweetness.

The combination of textures, from the soft and chewy cookie to the creamy filling and smooth frosting, creates a delightful eating experience that is sure to please.

Why This Recipe Works

The recipe is more simple than you’d think. While the cookies look and sound like something you’d purchase from a gourmet cookie bakery, they’re actually made using very simple ingredients and easy to follow steps, making them perfect for the at home chef.
Bursting with Flavor. Thanks to the lime zest, lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk, these cookies are bursting with tangy and sweet flavor. The frosting is also very flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. If you are a fan of key lime pie, then you will love the flavor of these cookies.
Perfect for Any Occasion. These key lime pie cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a fancy dessert for a dinner party. They are also a great option for holiday gatherings or potlucks. No matter where or when you serve them, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Key Lime Cookie Ingredients

Butter: You will need ½ cup (one stick) of unsalted softened butter for this recipe.

Sugars: Use ¾ cups of dark brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated white sugar to make these cookies sweet, chewy, and flavorful.

Egg: 1 large egg will bind the ingredients together well and add richness to every bite.

Lime zest: The zest from 1 lime will add a nice subtle citrus flavor to every cookie.

Flour: Add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the structural base of this cookie dough.

Salt: ½ teaspoon of salt will help balance all the incredible flavors in this recipe.

Baking powder: Using ½ teaspoon of baking powder helps the cookies puff up and rise as they bake.

Lime Filling

Lime juice: You need half of the juice you get from one squeezed lime, this is roughly 1 tablespoon.

Condensed milk: Use one 14-ounce-sized can of sweetened condensed milk to make the filling thick and sweet.

Lime Frosting

Butter: To make the frosting rich and flavorful, use ½ cup of softened butter (one stick).

Powdered sugar: Adding 4-5 cups of powdered sugar will make the frosting smooth and sweet.

Lime juice: For more amazing flavor and the perfect consistency, use ½ cup of lime juice.

How to Make Key Lime Cookies

Prep

Get started by preparing the lime zest and juice you will need for the following steps. You need the zest from one lime for the dough, use the fine side of the grater, set the zest aside.

For the filling, you need the juice from one lime. Squeeze the lime you just zested into a small bowl, set this aside as well.

Now, you need ½ cup of lime juice for the frosting, juice 1-2 limes, depending on their size, until you’ve procured the required amount of juice.

Cookie dough

In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugars, with an electric mixer, until light and fluffy.

Then beat in the egg and lime zest and mix until combined.

Next, add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. The dough will be very crumbly.

Proceed to divide the dough into 6 equal-sized portions (or 12 portions for smaller cookies).

Flatten the balls slightly, place them onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and press an indent into the center of each dough ball (I use my large cookie scoop for this).

After the dough is shaped and indented, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

Prep filling

Prepare the lime filling so that it has a chance to rest in the fridge before use.

In a small bowl, whip together the condensed milk and lime juice with an electric mixer or whisk, and then cover the bowl. Place into the fridge to chill until needed.

Key lime pie cookies made with a sugar cookie base & topped with key lime filling and a lime buttercream! Tangy, sweet lime cookies that are perfect for summer.

Bake

Get the oven preheating to 350 degrees F.

Pull the cookies from the fridge and place in the preheated oven to bake for 15-18 minutes. The edges should be just barely golden brown. For smaller cookies, bake for 9-12 minutes depending on the size of the cookies.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Buttercream frosting

Prepare the lime frosting by mixing the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy.

Then add in the powdered sugar and beat again to combine. After that, add in the lime juice and mix.

Continue to transfer the frosting into a piping bag or a ziplocked baggie with the corner snipped off. Pipe the frosting around the edges of each cookie and then spoon some of the lime filling into the middle of each frosting circle.

Garnish the tops of each cookie with more lime zest, if desired. Place the cookies into the fridge for 20 minutes to set.

Serve and enjoy!

Key Lime Pie Cookies

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Key Lime Pie Cookies, Lime Cookies

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Chill 30

Total Time 1

Servings cookies

Calories 1099kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter softened
¾ cup dark brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
1 large egg
Zest of 1 lime
2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder

Lime Filling

Juice of 1/2 a lime
14 oz sweetened condensed milk

Lime Frosting

½ cup butter softened
4-5 cups powdered sugar
½ cup of lime juice

Instructions

Prep: Prepare the lime zest and juice you will need for the following steps. You need the zest from one lime for the dough, use the fine side of the grater, set the zest aside. For the filling, you need the juice from one lime. Squeeze the lime you just zested into a small bowl, set this aside as well.
You need ½ cup of lime juice for the frosting, juice 1-2 limes, depending on their size, until you've procured the required amount of juice.
Cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugars, with an electric mixer, until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and lime zest and mix until combined.
Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. The dough will be very crumbly.
Divide the dough into 6 equal-sized portions (or 12 portions for smaller cookies). Flatten the balls slightly, place them onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and press an indent into the center of each dough ball (I use my large cookie scoop for this).
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
Prep filling: Prepare the lime filling so that it has a chance to rest in the fridge before use. In a small bowl, whip together the condensed milk and lime juice with an electric mixer or whisk, and then cover the bowl. Place into the fridge to chill until needed.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Pull the cookies from the fridge and place in the preheated oven to bake for 15-18 minutes. The edges should be just barely golden brown. For smaller cookies, bake for 9-12 minutes depending on the size of the cookies. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Buttercream frosting: Mix the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar and beat again to combine. Add in the lime juice and mix.
Transfer the frosting into a piping bag or a ziplocked baggie with the corner snipped off. Pipe the frosting around the edges of each cookie and then spoon some of the lime filling into the middle of each frosting circle.
Garnish the tops of each cookie with more lime zest, if desired. Place the cookies into the fridge for 20 minutes to set. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can make 12- 18 smaller cookies if desired. If you’ve made the cookies smaller, reduce baking time to 11-12 minutes for 12 cookies, 9-11 minutes for 18 cookies.

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, frosted lime cookies can last for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

How long are key lime pie cookies good for?

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Key Lime Pie Cookies can last for up to 1 week. I recommend keeping them stored in the fridge because that will help to keep the filling from softening, this will also extend their shelf life by a few days.

What are Key Limes?

Key limes are a green lime that turns yellow when ripe. They’re actually much smaller than a standard lime, meaning you’ll need a lot more of them to get the job done but it is well worth it. Every little key lime is packed with a sweet lime citrus flavor you can’t get anywhere else. Key limes are grown on trees in Asia (not the Florida keys) and they’re a seasonal fruit worth trying. You can usually find them available from June-September.

Can I use regular limes?

Yes, you can use regular limes if you can’t find Key limes. However, the flavor of the cookies may be slightly different. Just make sure you are using fresh lime not bottled lime juice. There is a pretty large flavor difference between fresh limes and bottled concentrates.

How do I prevent my Key lime pie cookies from being too runny?

To prevent your Key Lime Pie Cookies from being too runny, make sure to use the correct amount of lime juice and condensed milk. Also, be sure to let the cookies cool completely before adding the frosting.

What do I do if my filling is still runny?

If you find that your lime filling is still too soft or runny and hasn’t properly set, then you will need to stir in one tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until the filling has thickened.

What are tips for making healthier Key lime pie cookies?

To make a healthier version of Key Lime Pie Cookies, you can try using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, and coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of butter in the frosting to reduce the amount of fat. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute. Be aware that any changes to the recipe could result in a different taste and texture of the final treats.

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Looking for more cookies with fruit? We’ve got you covered!

Key Lime Pie Cookies are a wonderful and almost gourmet tasting treat you can make in your own kitchen. You are going to love these lime cookies, just watched how quickly they disappear!

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