Frosted Lime Sugar Cookies are sweet and tart cookies topped with lime buttercream frosting. A twist on the classic Southern pie became a simple and delicious cookie recipe.
Lime sugar cookies are soft and chewy with a dollop of buttercream frosting to dress them up. They’re as sweet as the pie that inspired them!
My husband is originally from the South, Louisiana, to be exact. Since I’ve met him, I’ve been introduced to crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, and his favorite… key lime pie.
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His preferred version comes from his mom, who knows his craving for super bold flavors, rendering this favorite pie a bit too powerful for the rest of us – unless we’re willing to walk around with puckered faces until the citric acid wears off.
These Key Lime Sugar Cookies are my attempt to turn his favorite pie into a cookie. And let me tell you he loves them, and so do I. These cookies turned out to have all the lime flavor from the inspired pie minus the extreme tartness of the limes that one would expect to have.
They are incredibly balanced, soft, and addictive, as evidenced by my hubby inhaling three before acknowledging my existence. While I’m not the most significant critical lime pie fan, I love these lime cookies and devoured almost just as many as my husband.
Why key limes make great desserts
Cookie Baking Tips!
Can you freeze sugar cookies?
All cookies can be frozen, but it is best to wrap them individually and only do this once they have cooled completely. Another way to freeze them is to stack them in layers in a Ziplock or container, separating the layers using parchment paper. I love individually wrapping them, as I feel they taste better. Do not freeze after frosting.
How long will cookies stay fresh in an airtight container?
Properly stored, freshly baked cookies will last for about 2 to 3 weeks at average room temperature in an airtight container. It is best to frost before serving.
Can you freeze the dough?
This cookie dough can be easily frozen, but it is best if you portion the dough beforehand. Scoop the cookies like you were going to bake them and place them on parchment paper. Then, wrap the parchment paper in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
Before you bake, preheat the oven, following the cookie recipe’s suggested temperature. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, 2 inches apart. The only thing you will need to change is adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time for the frozen dough.
So, try these Key Lime Cookies and a twist on a classic Southern pie or just a cookie that everyone will ooh and ahh over. This an easy recipe for a soft, chewy sugar cookie with a punch of citrus flavor.
Recipes we love that are made with limes!
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Froested Lime Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Key Lime Sugar Cookies
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons key lime or lime zest (2-4 limes)
- 3 egg yolks
- 4 key limes juiced, or 2 regular limes
- 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Key Lime Frosting
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 key lime juiced
- 3 tablespoons lime zest (2-4 limes)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
Lime Sugar Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream together sugar, lime zest, and butter. Beat in egg yolks, lime juice, and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Combine.
- Form dough into walnut size balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Don't flatten. Bake 10-12 minutes, until tops are cracked and just turning color.
Lime Frosting
- In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the lemon flavoring, lime zest and juice, then add the milk 1 Tbsp at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Beat until smooth and stiff, about 1 minute.
- Frost cookies and serve or store in an airtight container and frost before serving.
Wow, these sound awesome… I would have never thought of putting key lime & sugar cookies together. you are genius.
🙂 Thanks Shauna! San
YUMMM.. this looks amazing.. I never thought of a key lime sugar cookie
Thanks Melanie – you will love them! xo San
Yum! I am not a huge fan of pie crusts but I bet on a cookie I could definitely eat a Key Lime pie!
Nicole, we are the same way!!! I hate most pie crust! Cookie a much better avenue. xo San
Oh my goodness, my mouth is literally watering! I have never had a key lime sugar cookie before. it is so unique and I can imagine the amazing flavor already. I have to try these!
Thanks Amber, hopefully you can try them soon! xo San
Oh wow! I think I could make these! My husband loves key lime. Thanks!
Hope you can make them soon! xo San
key lime sugar cookies? wow those look AMAZING! ’nuff said! I want to make these!
Meredith, I hope you can soon! They are perfect for spring! xo San
Oh my these look so good! I’m going to make them for Easter. Thanks for sharing!
YAY! Amanda come back and tell me what you think! xo San
These must smell and taste great! I love key lime pie myself so these cookies would be a hit.
Amy you will love them. xo San
Your husband sounds like a fun guy, he knows a thing or two about great food 🙂
Agreed! San
Holy cow these look amazing!!!
Thanks Dee! xo San
I have to try these
Those sugar cookies look amazing! What a creative idea.
These cookies look absolutely amazing. oh my goodness love the key lime!
What a unique idea for a cookie recipe. They look great and are perfect for spring.
Thanks Catherine! xo San
This looks amazing. I like that you turned it into a cookie. I take it your husband likes sour, LOL I have never had key lime pie but by what you wrote I take its very sour.
Key Lime Pie can be as sour as you make it, my husband likes it over the top sour!!! These cookies were perfect for us both! xo San
I saw these on your Facebook earlier and have been thinking about them ever since. I think they are flirting with me. 😉
Thanks Dawn, hopefully you can make them soon! xo San
Yum! These look like a great appetizer for a spring party!
These look so yummy!! Perfect for summer. Actually I’m headed to Jimmy Buffet this summer and I think this would be perfect!
Okay I am jealous just a little bit! xo San
These sound so yummy! And great pics too!
Thanks Shanna! xo San
I haven’t tried key lime in cookies before but I like the taste of those. Gotta try this.
Mel – I can’t wait for you to try! xo San
Ha! My hubby is from the south too so I’ve been introduced to a TON of food that I probably would have never tried. These key lime sugar cookies sound yummy!! I’d love to make them!!
Thanks Danielle – I have definitely diversified my diet since getting married. xo San
I like a well balanced tart. I bet these would be a big hit with me and with my family too!
I can’t wait for you to try Rosey! xo San
They are so easy to make.. and they look so yummm
Thanks they are! xo San
These cookies look delicious! I love that you baked cookies that had meaning to your husband!
Thanks Felicia! xo San
Are you kidding me? Sugar cookies AND key lime? YES!
Heck yes girl! xo San