Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zesty & Fresh: Lime juice and zest add a bright citrus flavor.
- Soft & Tender: A delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples with a twist.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 13 minutes of baking time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Optional: Roll dough balls in extra granulated sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: About 10 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 22 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies (depending on size)
Variations
- Lemon Twist: Substitute lime juice and zest with lemon for a citrusy variation.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple lime glaze made of powdered sugar and lime juice.
- Add Seeds: Toss in poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and flavor.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warm note.
Storage/Reheating
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.
- Cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use lime extract instead of fresh lime juice?
Yes, but fresh lime juice gives the best bright, natural flavor.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chill dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt slightly.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking and avoid too much butter.
Can I make these vegan?
Substitute butter with vegan butter and use flax egg instead of regular egg.
What’s the best way to zest limes?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the green part.
Can I add other flavors?
Try adding coconut flakes or white chocolate chips.
How big should I scoop the dough?
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop for uniform size.
Are these cookies chewy or crisp?
They’re soft with a tender crumb and slightly crisp edges.
Conclusion
Lime Sugar Cookies are a bright and delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for any occasion. Their zesty flavor and soft texture make them irresistible and easy to bake, sure to become a favorite for citrus lovers everywhere.

Lime Sugar Cookies: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, zesty Lime Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with fresh lime juice and zest for a refreshing twist on a classic cookie.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Optional: Roll dough balls in extra granulated sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Substitute lime juice and zest with lemon for a citrusy variation.
Drizzle with a simple lime glaze made of powdered sugar and lime juice.
Toss in poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and flavor.
Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warm note.
Use vegan butter and flax egg to make vegan-friendly cookies.
Try adding coconut flakes or white chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg