Key Lime Pie Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Lime Pie Cookies combine the best of both worlds—cookies and key lime pie! The soft, buttery cookie base is infused with fresh lime zest and a touch of lime juice, giving it that authentic tangy flavor. The graham cracker crumb topping adds the perfect crunch and pie-like texture, while the optional glaze enhances the overall sweetness and creaminess. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or serving them at a summer gathering, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique twist on a classic dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Zest of 2 key limes (or regular limes)

• 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)

For the Graham Cracker Topping:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-10 graham crackers)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the egg, vanilla, and lime: Add the egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice, mixing until well combined.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft but not too sticky.

Make the Graham Cracker Topping:

6. Prepare the graham cracker topping: In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and slightly crumbly.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

7. Form the dough balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Add the graham cracker topping: Gently press a small amount of the graham cracker topping onto the top of each dough ball, pressing lightly so it sticks.

9. Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will remain soft and chewy in the center.

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

Make the Glaze (Optional):

11. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lime juice, if needed.

12. Drizzle the glaze: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the lime glaze over the top of each cookie. This adds a sweet, tangy finish to the cookies, enhancing the key lime flavor.

Serve:

13. Enjoy: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then serve these delicious Key Lime Pie Cookies and enjoy the bright, refreshing flavors of key lime pie in cookie form!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 20 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 9-11 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add coconut: For a tropical twist, add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough to enhance the flavors of the key lime pie.

• Use a different citrus: If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can swap key limes with regular limes or even lemons for a similar tart flavor.

• Make mini cookies: For bite-sized treats, use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time to 6-8 minutes.

• Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour and ensure the graham crackers are gluten-free for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. For unbaked dough, scoop the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

• Reheating: To reheat, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds to make them soft and warm again or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice?

While fresh lime juice is ideal for the best flavor, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Fresh lime zest, however, is key for a more vibrant flavor.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent excessive spreading, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and results in thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious without the glaze. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and tang, but the cookies themselves are flavorful enough to enjoy on their own.

Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, store-bought graham cracker crumbs work perfectly for the topping. Just make sure to check the package for any added sugar or preservatives if you want to keep it simple.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie Cookies bring the delicious tang of key lime pie into the form of a soft, chewy cookie. With a buttery cookie base, graham cracker crumble topping, and a sweet lime glaze, these cookies are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a citrusy treat, or just looking to try something new, these cookies are a refreshing and indulgent choice that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day!