Name: Tangy Key Lime Cookies: A Taste of the Florida Keys
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 33
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons Key lime zest

Embark on a tropical escape with these Key Lime Cookies. Soft, delicate, and bursting with the tangy zest of Key limes, these cookies are a delightful treat that will transport you to sun-kissed shores with every bite. Each cookie is a mini Key lime pie, perfectly portioned for a sweet indulgence.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare two cookie sheets by lightly greasing them with cooking spray or lining them with silicone baking mats. (5 minutes)

02

Step

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will ensure a smooth and creamy base for your cookies. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue to beat until well combined, creating a smooth and consistent batter. (2 minutes)

04

Step

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. (3 minutes)

05

Step

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and Key lime zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The zest will add a burst of citrusy flavor, while the white chocolate chips provide a sweet and creamy contrast. (3 minutes)

06

Step

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. (5 minutes)

07

Step

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking. (10-14 minutes)

08

Step

Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and allow them to firm up. (10 minutes)

For the best flavor, use fresh Key limes for the zest. If Key limes are unavailable, you can substitute with regular lime zest.
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture.
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
For a more intense lime flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of Key lime extract to the batter along with the vanilla extract.