There’s something about the moment when you realize you need a little brightness in your day—something buttery, crumbly, with a pop of fresh citrus that wakes up your taste buds. These Key Lime Shortbread Cookies fit that craving perfectly. They’re not just cookies; they’re a little escape to sunlit afternoons and gentle ocean breezes, all wrapped up in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
I remember the last time I made these, the kitchen filled with the sharp zest of key lime, cutting through the rich butter scent. I was distracted halfway through, chatting with a friend on the phone, and almost forgot the timer. Lucky for me, the cookies came out just on the edge of golden perfection—some edges slightly darker than others, which gave them a rustic, homemade charm. They were crumbly, with that delicate powdery sugar crunch on top, and the tang lingered just enough to make me reach for another, then another.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Bright and tangy key lime zest and juice give these a fresh twist on traditional shortbread.
- Buttery and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth—not too sweet but just right.
- They’re simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just a few ingredients coming together beautifully.
- Perfect for when you want a treat that feels indulgent but not over the top.
If you’re worried about handling a delicate dough or the timing, don’t sweat it. The dough is forgiving, and even if your cookies look a little uneven, the flavor makes up for it every time.
PrintKey Lime Shortbread Cookies
Delight in these buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies infused with bright and tangy key lime zest and juice. Perfect for a refreshing treat or a zesty dessert accompaniment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon key lime zest
1 tablespoon key lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the key lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Sprinkle the tops of the cookies lightly with granulated sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Notes: I usually don’t fuss with fancy equipment here—just a sturdy rolling pin and a basic cookie cutter. When serving, these cookies make a lovely companion to afternoon tea or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to get a bit fancy. You can try swapping key lime for regular lime or lemon zest if that’s what you have on hand, but the key lime’s unique tang is really what sets these apart. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit more sugar on top before baking to add a little crunch, though that’s totally optional. Also, if you like, a tiny pinch of sea salt folded into the dough can balance out the sweetness in a subtle way.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. It chills well and actually firms up nicely, making it easier to roll and cut the next day.
What’s the best way to store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for a few days. For longer storage, freezing works fine too.
Can I substitute regular lime or lemon? You can, but the flavor will be a bit different—not quite as bright or floral as key lime.
When that citrus craving hits, these cookies are ready to answer. Try them out and see how a little zest can turn a simple cookie into a moment worth savoring.