Description
These Key Lime Cookies are a zesty, buttery delight stuffed with a velvety lime cheesecake filling! Each bite is bursting with real key lime flavor, making them the perfect treat for summer gatherings or when you’re craving key lime pie in cookie form!
Ingredients
Scale
Key Lime Cheesecake Filling
- 12 tbsp cream cheese, softened (regular or vegan)
- 4 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp key lime zest (from 3–4 key limes)
- 1 tsp key lime juice (from 3–4 key limes, or store-bought)
Key Lime Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp key lime zest (from 4–5 key limes)
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tbsp key lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Prepare the Filling (1 hour ahead)
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, key lime zest, and juice until smooth.
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop 23 heaping teaspoons of the mixture onto it.
- Freeze for 45 minutes, or until solid. (Vegan cream cheese may take longer to freeze.)
Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and key lime zest until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and key lime juice; beat until combined.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop 2-tbsp-sized dough balls onto the baking sheets.
- Press a frozen cheesecake filling ball into each cookie dough ball, then cover completely with dough.
- Bake 9-12 minutes, until edges are set and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use regular limes if key limes aren’t available. Do NOT zest the white pith, as it’s bitter.
- Measure flour correctly using a scale or scoop-and-level method to avoid dry cookies.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
