Lime Cookies with Icing (Soft and Chewy Recipe)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion! These Lime Cookies are downright mouthwatering, with a zesty kick that’ll make your taste buds sing. And the icing? Scrumptious perfection. You also won’t believe just how easy this lime cookies recipe is!! Get ready for a spectacular treat you won’t be able to resist!

titled: lime cookies with icing


 

Calling all lime lovers – This key lime cookie recipe is one of the best ways to make baked cookies that are perfect for your sweet tooth.

I love any kind of cookies, but the citrus flavor of these key lime sugar cookies has my heart. 

The chewy texture paired with the flavor of fresh lime juice is what makes this simple key lime cookies recipe one of the best.

Every bite is loaded with tangy lime flavor, and these cookies are good options for the summer months. 

Using basic ingredients, they’re an easy way to create soft cookies that everyone will love.

I always have a hard time stopping my snacking when it comes to these chewy sugar cookies – but sometimes, you just gotta treat yourself! 

Head to the grocery store and gather the simple ingredients needed that are listed on the recipe card below.

You’ll be baking those yummy cookie dough balls on the cookie sheet in no time at all! And I promise you’ll be hooked on these chewy lime cookies – just like me!

Lime recipes like this are the best! 

ingredients for lime cookies with icing

Lime Cookies

I love cookies and I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting flavor combinations to try out. 

When I discovered just how delicious lime cookies could be, I was immediately hooked!

My fellow cookie lovers, get ready to embark on a tangy and sweet adventure with this delectable lime cookies recipe. 

These little drops of happiness are bursting with citrusy flavor and topped with a heavenly cookie icing recipe that will make your taste buds dance. 

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is so easy, it practically does the baking for you. What else could you want in a cookie recipe?!

I’m a bit of a citrus cookie fanatic! Don’t miss my recipes for lemon crinkle cookieslemon cake mix cookies, and… one of my favorites, my lime in the coconut sugar cookies

adding sugar to eggs

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Lime – You’ll need lime juice and lime zest, both in the batter and in the tasty cookie icing recipe. Citrus lovers will absolutely love this!!

You technically could use lemon juice and zest instead, but then you would have lemon cookies instead. 

  • Unsalted Butter – You can also use salted butter and simply omit the extra ¼ teaspoon of salt. 
  • Sugar – Use granulated sugar in the cookie batter, and powdered (or confectioners) sugar for the homemade icing!
  • Vanilla Extract – To add a bit of warmth to the overall flavor. 

    You can also replace with almond extract if you’re not into vanilla, but it will change the taste of the lime cookies ever so slightly. 
  • Baking Powder and Soda – You’ll need both! Without them your cookies will end up flat.
cookie dough for lime cookies

Tips for the Tastiest Lime Cookies Recipe 

  • Don’t skip the creaming step.

While you may be tempted to add all of the ingredients together all at once, I really can’t say enough good things about taking the time to cream the butter and sugar together. 

It helps to incorporate air into the batter, which will gve you soft and tender cookies every time. 

  • No chilling needed for this cookie recipe!

Lots of cookie recipes require you to chill the dough in the fridge before baking. 

You don’t have to worry about that extra step for my recipe. Simply form the dough into balls and pop them in the oven!

  • The lime icing takes this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

My homemade cookie icing recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes! Do yourselves a favor and whip it up quickly as the cookies cool. 

It’s sweet and zesty all at the same time thanks to the added lime!!

scoop of lime cookie dough

Storing Citrus Cookies

Store your lime cookies in an airtight container on the counter or in your pantry, where they will keep for 3-5 days.

You can extend their shelflife by about 2 days when you store them in the fridge. If you like a warm cookie, simply heat in the microwave at 30-second bursts until warm.

icing for lime cookies

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • Electric Hand Mixer – I’ve had this one in my kitchen forever, and it still works beautifully.
  • Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
  • Baking Sheets lined with parchment paper – Used for anything from cookies to roasting, a good baking pan will last for years.
baked lime cookies with icing

Lime Cookies FAQ

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh? 

I always recommend using freshly squeezed citrus juice when you can. You’ll need the zest from a lime for this lime cookies recipe anyways, so you might as well use its juice too! 

If you do use bottles, make sure that it’s 100% lime juice without any additives.

Can I freeze lime cookie dough? 

You sure can! Shape the dough into balls or logs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, and freeze. 

Then, thaw the dough in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Can I use a different type of icing? 

While I love my lime icing, you can certainly use something else if you’d like. 

Try out other flavors like coconut, vanilla, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can even make a key lime glaze to put on top of these chewy lime sugar cookies! 

plate of lime cookies

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter Pinterest | Instagram 



closeup of lime cookie

lime cookie with icing with a bite taken

Lime Cookies with Icing (Soft and Chewy Recipe)

Donna Elick
These zesty Lime Cookies will satisfy your tangy cravings! Topped with my sweet lime cookie icing recipe, they’re the perfect citrusy treat!
4.80 stars from 5 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
cooling time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Method Oven
Servings 26 small cookies

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Glaze:

  • 1.5 cups powdered/confectioners sugar
  • 6 teaspoons lime juice, extra if needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, plus extra for garnishing – optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cream butter and sugar together.
  • Add vanilla, egg, lime juice, and lime zest.
  • Slowly stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
  • Roll into 1” balls and place on baking sheets that have been lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 9-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
  • Once cookies are done, remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  • While the cookies cool, combine the powdered sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla for the glaze (if needed, add a little extra lime juice or water to make more thin, or add more powdered sugar to thicken).
  • Spoon 1 teaspoon of glaze in the center of each cookie and spread evenly or drizzle glaze over cookies and garnish with lime zest.

Donna’s Notes

I used the juice of 2 limes and the zest of 2 limes for this recipe.
Garnishing the cookies with lime zest is optional.
Option to drizzle glaze over cookies instead of flooding the center.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 90cal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 39mg | Sugar: 8g | Fiber: 0.2g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
lime cookies with icing -pin

Originally published July 2023, updated and republished July 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The Simple Kitchen cookbook affiliate linked banner

12 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    I made these cookies gluten w and Sugar Free by using Great Value All Purpose Gluten Free flour blend. It was too starchy (very dry) so I had to add more lime juice (4TBS in all) and I used erythritol not sugar. They turned out good after the tweaks. I made bigger cookies (18) so I only made 1 c powdered erythritol, 2-3Tbs juice & zest with a splash of vanilla. They were good. Thanks for the recipe.

    1. Hi Lynn,
      Thank you for all of the substitutions, our readers will love your help! Have a great day!
      TSRI Team Member,
      Holli

    1. Hi Laurén!
      Thank you so much! They are definitely one of our favorite summer cookies. We are so happy you enjoyed them. Have a great day!
      TSRI Team Member,
      Holli

  2. 5 stars
    The tastiest cookie I’ve ever had. I used fresh lemon juice and zest instead of the lime and wow what a refreshing and delectable treat!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating