When the craving for something sweet strikes, there’s nothing quite like the delightful tang of lime paired with the comforting sweetness of sugar cookies. These Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies are a perfect blend of the two, creating a cookie that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a zesty lime flavor that brightens your day, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
These Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. The bright, citrusy flavor adds a refreshing twist to a classic treat, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, their chewy texture is irresistible! You’ll love how the flavors meld together, and the addition of toasted coconut gives them a unique flair. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making batch after batch.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these scrumptious cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of one large lime, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup unsweetened toasted coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar for rolling cookies
Equipment & Tools
Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Mixing bowl – for combining ingredients
- Electric mixer – to cream the butter and sugar
- Baking sheets – to bake the cookies
- Parchment paper – for easy cleanup
- Cookie scoop – for uniform cookies
- Cooling rack – to cool the cookies
Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies Made Stepwise
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Flavorings
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Stir in Toasted Coconut
Gently fold in the toasted coconut with a spatula, ensuring an even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Roll the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in the sugar for rolling. This adds a beautiful finish and extra sweetness to each cookie.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the rolled cookie balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Budget & Availability Swaps
If you’re looking for alternatives or trying to make the recipe more budget-friendly, consider the following swaps:
- Butter: Use margarine or a plant-based butter as a substitute.
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can work in a pinch.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled lime juice can be used.
- Coconut: If you can’t find unsweetened toasted coconut, shredded coconut (sweetened) can be used, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
When making Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies, zesting the lime is key to unlocking that vibrant flavor. Use a microplane for fine zesting, and make sure to avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter. Additionally, to toast coconut, simply spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Quick Q&A
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lime?
Absolutely! Lemon or orange zest and juice would work beautifully in this recipe, giving you a different yet delightful flavor profile.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
Add colorful sprinkles or food coloring to the dough before baking for a fun twist!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for proper texture.
What goes well with these cookies?
These Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert sundae!
If you’re inspired to try more delicious recipes, check out these weekend baking projects:
Bring It Home
Baking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories. These Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home. The bright lime flavor will transport you to a sunny day, and their chewy texture will have everyone reaching for seconds. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the delightful experience of baking these cookies today!
Chewy Lime Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice, mixing until well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the toasted coconut with a spatula.
- Step 7: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each ball in sugar.
- Step 8: Place cookie balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 9: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try adding colorful sprinkles to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze cookies for up to three months for longer storage.
