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!
Pin To Pinterest.
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.
All I can say is OH MY GOODNESS, YES. Lime is one of my favorite flavors; definitely pinning this recipe so I can try them soon!
Thanks for the pin Liza! I appreciate it! xo San
I absolutely love key lime, it’s the perfect combination of sweet with tart! Amazing recipe!
Joanna – it is the best. I even love it and I am not a key lime pie fan. xo San
These look amazing. I like my lemon and lime flavors extra puckery, so I’ll have to try these!
These look so refreshing and full of flrvar. I have to try them!
Can’t wait for you to try them Kristin. xo San
Oh my goodness these look so good. I have never heard of Key Lime Cookies! I love Key Lime Pie, so these must be delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks for stopping by Annie! xo San
Mmmmmmm, this sounds so good. I like key lime pie of course, so I really want to try these cookies.
Janeane – can’t wait for you to try them, you’ll love them! xo San
A great cookie, we just love that Key Lime flavor. Hope you have a very special weekend and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Thanks Helen, thanks for coming by can’t wait for you to try it. xo San
Mmmm, lime cookies. You had me at hello. Salivating and trying not to ruin my keyboard with the drool. Lol. Seriously though, these look awesome.
Rach – so sweet and thanks for coming by. xo San
I’m glad I found these on Tempting Tuesday! I love Key lime anything!!
Jody – thanks for coming by! xo San
I will be watching the store for key limes to go on sale again! these look scrumptious.
Thanks! xo San
these cookies are just gorgeous, I can almost smell the lime 🙂
Thanks Heather! xo San
Nothing is better than quiet after working in the kitchen. You know you did something right! 🙂
LOL! Totally true! xo San
I love Key Lime Pie! These look so fabulous. Pinning this one! Thanks so much!
Visiting from the #SITSSharefest
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Thanks for the pin! xo San
Pretty!
How many limes do you use?