These Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat! They have a zesty lime flavor and a soft, chewy texture, all coated in a sweet powdery finish.
Every bite feels like a mini-vacation! I love how the coconut adds a twist to the classic lime flavor. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 🌴🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, providing structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. It might affect texture slightly, but the cookies will still be tasty!
Unsweetened shredded coconut: Coconut adds a lovely chewiness. If you’re not a fan or want to cut calories, you can skip it. Alternatively, try using chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a different flavor and texture!
Granulated sugar: This sweetens your cookies. You can replace it with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia, but keep the sweetness balance in mind.
Butter & Vegetable oil: The combination helps with moisture and richness. You could replace the butter with coconut oil for an even more tropical flavor. If you need it dairy-free, stick with just the vegetable oil.
Key lime juice & Zest: This gives your cookies a tangy brightness. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work just fine. The zest is tasty, so don’t skip it!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft Inside?
Getting the right texture is key for these cookies! Pay attention to baking time and how your cookies look. Here’s a simple guide:
- Preheat the oven correctly and line the baking sheet; this helps with even cooking.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Watch the baking time closely—cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue cooking after you take them out.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This helps them maintain their softness!
With these tips in mind, you’ll have delicious, soft Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies every time!
How to Make Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice
For Dusting:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the cookies cool a bit before enjoying them. In total, you can have delicious Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleaning up easy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and shredded coconut. This will help to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Once well mixed, set this bowl aside for later use.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, and vegetable oil. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is important as it creates a nice base for your cookies!
4. Add Egg and Flavor:
Now, add in the egg, vanilla extract, lime zest, and key lime juice to the butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and you can see the bright lime zest throughout the batter. It smells great already!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients you set aside earlier into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. You want to be careful not to overmix, as we want fluffy cookies!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Once you have your cookie balls, roll each one in powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. This gives them that lovely crinkly look.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one as they will spread while baking. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the centers still seem slightly soft.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, take a moment to enjoy the delicious smell before indulging in your Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies!
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil?
Absolutely! You can swap the vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted coconut oil for an extra coconut flavor or use another light oil like canola. Just make sure not to use a strongly flavored oil, as it can alter the taste of the cookies.
What If I Don’t Have Key Limes?
No worries! Regular limes work just fine; however, they have a more tart flavor. You can use the same amount of regular lime juice and zest in place of key lime juice, and your cookies will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, but let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.
