Coconut Key Lime Cookies

This zingy coconut key lime crinkle cookie recipe combines tropical flavors for the perfect sweet-tart treat. I've been making these for years when I need a bright pick-me-up during dreary winter months, though they're equally delightful during summer alongside a cool drink.

These cookies became my signature dessert after bringing them to a beach weekend with friends. Now everyone requests them whenever we reunite, regardless of the season.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour: provides the perfect structure for these light cookies
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: gives just the right amount of lift for that classic crinkle texture
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: softened to room temperature for proper creaming
• 1 cup granulated sugar: sweetens while creating that crisp outer texture
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut: adds wonderful texture and tropical flavor
• 2 large eggs: provide structure and richness to bind everything together
• 1/4 cup key lime juice: brings authentic tangy flavor; use fresh whenever possible
• 1 lime zest: divided between dough and coating for maximum flavor
• 2 teaspoons coconut extract: amplifies the tropical notes throughout
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: creates that beautiful snowy crinkle effect we love

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until well combined. This step seems simple but ensures even distribution of leavening for consistent cookies.

Create Butter Base:

Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and coconut until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and expanded in volume, which creates the foundation for tender cookies.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Incorporate eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully blend before adding the next. Then mix in key lime juice, coconut extract, and half the lime zest, beating about 1 minute until well incorporated. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point but will come together.

Combine Everything:

Add the flour mixture gradually at low speed, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten and toughens cookies, so stop as soon as ingredients are combined.

Chill The Dough:

Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and roll. This also allows flavors to meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Prepare For Baking:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment. Combine powdered sugar with remaining lime zest in a shallow bowl for coating.

Shape And Coat:

Scoop chilled dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar mixture until completely coated. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cookies are puffed, starting to flatten, and edges feel firm to touch. The signature crinkles will develop as they bake and cool.

Cooling Process:

Let cookies rest on pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly without breaking.

Pin it

The combination of key lime and coconut transports me right to the Florida Keys where I first tasted this flavor pairing. My daughter now helps roll the dough balls in powdered sugar, and her little fingerprints in the sugar coating make them even more special.

Getting The Perfect Crinkle

The secret to beautiful crinkles is coating the cookies thoroughly with powdered sugar before baking. For extra dramatic crackles, roll the dough balls twice in the powdered sugar, pressing gently the second time to ensure good adhesion. Cold dough creates better cracks than room temperature dough, so work with small batches from the refrigerator.

Pin it

Storage And Freshness

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The lime flavor actually intensifies slightly after the first day. To maintain softness, store with a small piece of bread that will keep the cookies from drying out. For longer storage, freeze cooled cookies in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.

Ingredient Substitutions

No key limes? Regular limes work wonderfully though slightly less aromatic. In a pinch, bottled key lime juice provides good flavor. For a different twist, try using lemon or orange instead of lime. Unsweetened coconut can replace sweetened if you prefer less sweetness. For gluten free friends, a quality cup for cup gluten free flour blend works well in this recipe with no other adjustments needed.

Serving Suggestions

These bright cookies pair beautifully with afternoon tea or coffee. For a delightful summer dessert, sandwich vanilla or coconut ice cream between two cookies and freeze for lime coconut ice cream sandwiches. They also make a refreshing addition to fruit platters or alongside sorbet for a light ending to a heavy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular lime instead of key lime?

Yes, regular lime juice can be substituted for key lime juice, though the flavor will be less tart and more subtle.

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

→ Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar?

Rolling the dough in powdered sugar helps create the characteristic crinkly appearance as the cookies bake.

→ Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?

Yes, but the cookies may be less sweet. Consider adding a bit more sugar to compensate.

→ What other zests can I add as variations?

You can experiment with lemon or orange zest for a different citrus twist on these cookies.