Delight in tangy sweetness with Key Lime Shortbread Cookies—a perfectly crisp, buttery treat bursting with zesty lime flavor in every bite. These cookies combine the tender crumb of classic shortbread with the lively tang of fresh key lime juice and zest, creating an irresistible balance of rich and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress guests or a bright, citrusy snack to uplift your day, this recipe is your new go-to. The charm of Key Lime Shortbread Cookies lies not only in their flavor but also in their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright Citrus Flavor: Each cookie bursts with fresh key lime juice and zest for a truly tangy treat.
Buttery Goodness: The rich, crumbly shortbread texture melts in your mouth with every bite.
Simple Ingredients: Crafted with pantry staples and easy-to-find key lime essentials.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for tea time, picnics, or gifting to friends and family.
Easy to Make: Minimal steps and no special equipment needed, ideal for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Key Lime Shortbread Cookies is their reliance on just a handful of quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter creating tender crumb, to the lime zest infusing vibrant citrus notes.

Unsalted Butter: Provides the essential rich, melting texture for shortbread.
Powdered Sugar: Adds a smooth sweetness and helps maintain that delicate cookie crumb.
All-purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy base while keeping the structure tender.
Key Lime Juice: Delivers authentic tartness that defines the cookie’s flavor profile.
Key Lime Zest: Enhances the aroma and intensifies the lime punch.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights other flavors.

Variations

Feel free to customize your Key Lime Shortbread Cookies to match your taste or dietary preferences. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable without losing its signature tangy charm.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of your choice.
Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flair complementing the lime zest.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
Sugar-Free Option: Use powdered erythritol in place of sugar to reduce calories.
Herbal Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh mint or basil to add a refreshing herbal note.

Key Lime Shortbread Cookies Recipe for a Tangy Treat

How to Make Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Begin by creaming the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the fresh key lime juice and zest next, blending thoroughly to infuse the dough with vibrant citrus flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour and salt, combining just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the delicate crumb structure that defines great shortbread cookies. When the dough comes together, it should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the butter and makes the dough easier to handle and roll out, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 4: Shaping the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into your favorite shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for slight spreading.

Step 5: Baking

Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This slow baking ensures the cookies become crisp without over-browning.

Step 6: Optional Decoration

Once completely cooled, you can dust the Key Lime Shortbread Cookies with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lime glaze for extra zing and presentation appeal.

Pro Tips for Making Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

Use Room Temperature Butter: It creams better with sugar, creating a lighter dough texture.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Refrigerating the dough prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick.
Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed key lime juice and grated zest for the most authentic and vibrant flavor.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level the flour to avoid dense cookies from too much flour.
Watch Baking Time Carefully: Keep an eye to prevent overbaking, as shortbread can dry out quickly.

How to Serve Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a hint of powdered sugar or grated lime zest on top for fresh visual appeal and that extra pop of citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of green tea or a refreshing glass of iced mint lemonade to complement the tart lime flavor beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or tiered serving tray for parties and gift-giving. You can also sandwich lime curd between two cookies for a delightful layered treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Key Lime Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their crispness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months without losing texture or taste.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime instead of key lime?

Yes, regular lime juice and zest can be used, although key lime provides a unique tartness and aromatic profile that’s slightly more intense.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe alternative.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Replacing butter with a plant-based alternative and ensuring powdered sugar is vegan-friendly makes a delicious vegan version possible.

How long do Key Lime Shortbread Cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh and crispy for about one week at room temperature.

Can I add food coloring to make these cookies festive?

Absolutely! Adding a few drops of green food coloring to the dough enhances their fresh lime appeal for holiday or party themes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something crisp, buttery, and tangy, the Key Lime Shortbread Cookies recipe is a bright and delightful solution. Their easy preparation and wonderful balance of flavors mean you’ll want to bake a batch again and again. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the sunny zest of these cookies—you won’t regret it!

Key Lime Shortbread Cookies

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Key Lime Shortbread Cookies are crisp, buttery cookies bursting with fresh key lime juice and zest, offering a perfect balance of rich and tangy flavors. Simple to make with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, these cookies are ideal for any occasion—from casual snacking to elegant gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
1 tablespoon key lime zest
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparing the Dough: Cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then add the fresh key lime juice and zest, blending thoroughly to infuse vibrant citrus flavor into the dough.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour and salt just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the delicate crumb structure. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm the butter and make the dough easier to handle and roll out, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
Shaping the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room for slight spreading.
Baking: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This slow baking produces crisp cookies without over-browning.
Optional Decoration: Once completely cooled, dust cookies with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lime glaze for extra zing and visual appeal.