A bright, tropical twist on the classic crinkle cookie
There’s something magical about the combination of coconut and lime—it instantly transports you to a sunny beachside moment, even if you’re just in your kitchen. These Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies were inspired by a spontaneous baking session during a rainy afternoon when I was craving something bright, cheerful, and fresh. The result? Soft, pillowy cookies with crisp edges, tropical coconut, and the zing of key lime juice—sunshine in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a summer party, a holiday cookie swap, or just a midweek treat, these cookies bring the perfect blend of sweet and citrus.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft and chewy texture with a light, crackled top
- Refreshing citrus flavor from fresh lime juice and zest
- Tropical flair with shredded coconut and coconut extract
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly for convenience
- Perfect for summer, spring, or anytime you want a bright, uplifting treat
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- Zest of 1 lime, divided
- 2 teaspoons coconut extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
How to Make Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies
1. Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and shredded coconut until the mixture is light and creamy. This gives the cookies their tender texture.
3. Add eggs and flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then add the key lime juice, coconut extract, and half of the lime zest. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until no dry flour remains—do not overmix.
5. Chill the dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm the dough so it’s easier to scoop and shape.
6. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.
7. Prepare the sugar coating
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the remaining lime zest.
8. Scoop and roll
Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons), scoop the dough and roll each ball in the lime-sugar mixture. Place on the prepared trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and the edges are just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Cool
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Crinkle Cookies
- Use fresh key lime juice if you can—it makes a big flavor difference. Bottled is fine in a pinch.
- Don’t skip the chill time—it helps the cookies hold their shape and develop the perfect crinkle top.
- Roll generously in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can also:
- Serve them with iced tea or coconut-lime mocktails
- Include them in a summer dessert platter with fresh fruit
- Wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for cute edible gifts
Freezing and Storage
- To freeze before baking: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- To store after baking: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
These Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies are the kind of treat that brightens your mood with every bite. Soft, zesty, and just the right amount of sweet, they’re perfect for anyone who loves the fresh flavors of lime and coconut. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them on repeat—rain or shine.