These Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies are sweet little treats with a tropical twist! They are soft, chewy, and packed with zesty lime flavor, making every bite refreshing.
I can’t resist the fun crinkly tops—it’s like a little surprise when you take a bite! These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Coconut: I recommend using unsweetened shredded coconut for a natural flavor. If you can’t find it, sweetened coconut works too, but it will make the cookies sweeter.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt in the recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Key Lime Juice and Zest: Key limes give a distinct, tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, regular limes are a good substitute, but the taste will be slightly different.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is typical for cookies, but if you want gluten-free, try almond or coconut flour, adjusting the quantity (you may need to use less).
Powdered Sugar: This is for rolling the cookies to create that crinkle effect. If you’re out, granulated sugar can work, but it won’t give the same look.
How Do You Keep the Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
To keep your cookies nice and thick, chilling the dough is essential. This solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much when they bake. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- When rolling the dough into balls, don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky; it will firm up after chilling.
Keep an eye on the baking time too. If you’re aiming for soft, chewy cookies, bake them just until the edges set. Trust me, it’ll make a difference!
How to Make Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Coating:
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour, including cooling time before enjoying your scrumptious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking while they bake. This will help them come out perfectly golden and easy to move!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This adds lots of air to your dough, making your cookies nice and soft.
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the large egg, fresh key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You’ll start to notice that lovely citrus scent filling your kitchen!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour for perfectly risen cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix gently until they’re just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, gently fold in the shredded coconut until it’s evenly distributed in the dough.
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the cookie dough and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle when you roll it into balls.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Once the dough has chilled, take it out and scoop tablespoons of dough. Roll each scoop into a ball. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until it’s completely coated. This will give your cookies their signature crinkly look and sweet taste!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This allows them to spread while baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the tops have cracked slightly. Mmm, they’ll smell amazing!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy—serve them with a tall glass of milk or just by themselves!
Delight in your delicious Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies!
Can I Use Sweetened Coconut Instead of Unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut if that’s what you have on hand! Just be aware that it will add extra sugar to the cookies, which may slightly alter their sweetness. You might consider reducing the granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons to balance the flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Measure the Flour?
To ensure accurate measurement, fluff the flour in its container with a spoon, then use a spoon to scoop the flour into a measuring cup without packing it down. Finally, level it off with a knife for the perfect amount without adding too much flour to the dough.
How Long Can I Store These Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a sealed container or freezer bag between layers of parchment paper, and they’ll be good for about 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! While key limes have a slightly different flavor profile that adds a special touch, regular limes will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the zest amount based on your taste preference, as regular limes may have a sharper flavor.
