Zesty Key Lime Pie Cookies Recipe: Bite-Sized Tropical Bliss

Soft, buttery cookies infused with tangy key lime pie recipe bring a delightful twist to your dessert lineup.

These zesty treats capture the essence of the classic pie in every bite.

Crumbly and sweet, they deliver a punch of citrusy flavor that dances across your palate.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Bright lime zest and creamy elements blend seamlessly, mimicking the beloved pie signature taste.

Each cookie promises a miniature slice of tropical happiness.

You’ll want to share these crowd-pleasing morsels at your next gathering or savor them as a personal indulgence.

What Sets Key Lime Pie Cookies Apart

• Conquer Bakery Cravings: Recreate a gourmet pastry experience right in your kitchen without professional baking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Cheesy garlic cruffins deliver irresistible flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making them perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Transform simple refrigerated dough into a stunning, restaurant-quality appetizer or side dish with minimal preparation and straightforward steps.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cheese varieties or herbs to personalize the recipe and match your taste preferences, ensuring a unique twist every time you bake.

Key Lime Pie Cookies Ingredient Checklist

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning and texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to the cookie base.

• Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Helps with leavening and balances the cookie's flavor.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a classic pie-like texture and flavor to the cookie.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Provides signature key lime pie flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and smooth consistency to the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken and sweeten the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of the filling.

• Lime Zest, Key Lime Slice: Provides additional flavor and visual appeal.

Stepwise Guide for Key Lime Pie Cookies

Step 1: Create Cookie Dough Base

Grab your stand mixer and whip butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Scrape the bowl’s sides to ensure everything gets incorporated.

Drop in the egg, vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest. Beat until the mixture looks silky smooth.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix on low speed until just blended. Toss in graham cracker crumbs and mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Balls

Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough. Roll into perfect little balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Space them about 2 inches apart. Create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or a tablespoon.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 350F oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.

Once out of the oven, quickly reshape the cookie centers while they’re warm.

Step 5: Cool Cookie Bases

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Lime Filling

In your stand mixer, blend cream cheese, key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Mix until the filling becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Fill and Decorate

Spoon the key lime filling into the center of each cooled cookie.

Use a spoon or piping bag to spread evenly. Sprinkle with fresh lime zest and add a tiny lime slice for extra pizzazz.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cookies for at least an hour to help the filling set. These tangy treats are ready to delight your taste buds!

Key Notes for Key Lime Pie Cookie Bakers

• Grate lime zest before juicing to make the process easier and capture maximum flavor without drying out the fruit.
• Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookies' shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Use the back of a measuring spoon for creating uniform indentations in the cookies, ensuring consistent and attractive results.
• Beat the filling ingredients at room temperature for a creamier, lump-free texture that spreads easily on the cookies.
• Refrigerate the filled cookies for at least an hour to allow the filling to set and develop a more intense flavor profile.

Switch-Ups to Try With Key Lime Cookies

• Lemon Lover's Version: Replace key lime juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright citrusy alternative that maintains the cookie's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a plant-based egg replacer, swap cream cheese with cashew cream, and use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
• Tropical Coconut Spin: Add shredded coconut to the cookie dough and incorporate coconut extract in the filling for a tropical-inspired flavor profile.

What Goes With Key Lime Pie Cookies

• Pair Zesty Cocktails: Craft a refreshing mojito or margarita that complements the key lime pie cookie's tangy profile, enhancing the citrusy notes and creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Select Tropical White Wines: Choose a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio with bright, acidic undertones that will beautifully match the cookie's lime essence and creamy filling.
• Create Coconut Dessert Companions: Serve alongside coconut macaroons or coconut sorbet to amplify the tropical flavor experience and provide a complementary creamy texture.
• Enjoy Sparkling Accompaniments: Sip on a light prosecco or champagne that cuts through the cookie's richness while highlighting its delicate lime zestiness.

How to Store Key Lime Pie Cookies Fresh

• Store key lime pie cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cookies at room temperature for 2-3 hours if serving the same day. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent filling from melting.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the filling and restore their original texture.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more tart than standard Persian limes. They have a distinctive, more intense flavor that’s slightly more acidic and aromatic, making them perfect for desserts like this pie-inspired cookie.

• Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice, but the flavor will be slightly less intense. Key lime juice provides a more authentic and concentrated citrus taste that makes these cookies special.

• Do I need a stand mixer to make these cookies?

While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk and wooden spoon. Just ensure ingredients are well combined and creamy.

Key Lime Pie Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Zesty key lime pie cookies merge classic dessert flavors into irresistible bite-sized treats. Creamy lime-infused dough with graham cracker crumbs delivers a nostalgic tropical twist you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Cookies Base:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Lime Flavoring:

• 1 tablespoon fresh key lime zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cookie baking conditions.
2. Cream butter and sugars in a stand mixer at medium-high speed until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Incorporate egg, vanilla, lime juice, and lime zest into the butter mixture, blending until uniformly smooth.
4. Gently fold in flour, leavening agents, and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold graham cracker crumbs into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
5. Shape dough into uniform balls using a cookie scoop, arranging them on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
6. Create a gentle indentation in each cookie’s center using your thumb or a tablespoon’s back.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for firm edges and slightly soft centers. Reshape indentations immediately after removing from the oven.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Whip cream cheese, key lime juice, condensed milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a silky, consistent texture.
10. Fill each cooled cookie’s center with key lime mixture, using a spoon or piping bag for precision.
11. Decorate with additional lime zest and optional lime slice for visual appeal.
12. Chill cookies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the filling and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Zest your limes before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and get more aromatic citrus notes in your cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs to ensure smoother, more consistent cookie dough mixing and better texture.
• Create uniform cookies by using a cookie scoop for precise portioning and even baking results.
• Chill the filled cookies to help the key lime filling set firmly and develop a more intense tangy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 112 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 106 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg