These Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies are a burst of sunshine! With zesty key lime and a hint of coconut, they bring a fun tropical twist to your snack time.
My favorite part? The soft, chewy texture and pretty powdered sugar coating make them irresistible! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up for any gathering, or just for me! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for cookies, providing structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I often use almond flour for a unique taste.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This adds a lovely chewiness and tropical flavor. If you prefer unsweetened, you can use that, but reduce sugar slightly. Toasting it lightly can enhance the flavor!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for creamy texture. If you need to make it dairy-free, coconut oil or margarine can work. Just ensure it’s in a solid form for the best results.
Key Lime Zest & Juice: These ingredients give the refreshing citrus flavor. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes are a great substitute. Consider using a combination of lime and lemon for added brightness!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Shaped?
Shaping the cookies properly ensures they bake evenly. After mixing, chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This step not only makes it easier to handle but helps achieve a nice texture.
- Scoop out cookie dough with a tablespoon for even sizes.
- Roll the dough into balls so they’re round and uniform.
- When rolling in powdered sugar, make sure to coat them thoroughly for that crinkly look.
How to Make Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 key lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh key lime juice
For Rolling the Cookies:
- Powdered sugar, for rolling cookies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, and an additional 30 minutes for chilling the dough. Then, you’ll bake them for about 10-12 minutes. So, the total time is roughly 1 hour, including cooling time. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed and then set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Now, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer, and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
To the butter and sugar mixture, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Slowly add the bowl of dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want soft cookies!
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up a bit, making it easier to work with.
7. Shape the Cookies:
After chilling, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until they are fully coated. This will give them a beautiful, crinkly look!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are set and starting to crack on the top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. And that’s it! Now you can enjoy your delicious Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! If you can’t find key limes, regular limes are a great substitute. Just keep in mind that regular limes are slightly more acidic and tart, so you might want to adjust the quantity of lime juice to taste, starting with the same amount.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
You can use an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure to soften it similar to how you would with butter, as it helps achieve that light and fluffy texture during mixing!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add More Coconut to the Recipe?
Yes, you can certainly add more shredded coconut! Just be cautious not to exceed 1 cup total, as it may affect the cookie’s texture. You can replace some of the flour with shredded coconut, but start with a smaller increase, like an additional 1/4 cup, to keep the balance!
