Soft & Chewy Coconut Lime Cookies
Welcome to your new favorite summer treat! These Lime Coconut Cookies are a burst of tropical sunshine in every bite. With a soft, chewy texture and the perfect balance of zesty lime and sweet coconut, they’re so flavorful they don’t even need frosting. Using a 1.5 Tbsp cookie scoop, this recipe yields about 28 cookies, making it ideal for sharing at picnics, BBQs, or just enjoying with a cold drink on a warm day. Let’s dive into this quick, easy, and refreshing recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love These Lime Coconut Cookies
These cookies are the ultimate tropical escape. The bright, tangy lime juice and zest pair beautifully with the subtle sweetness of coconut, while the LorAnn’s Coconut Emulsion adds a rich, authentic flavor without overpowering the cookie. The texture? Perfectly soft and chewy, with just a hint of crispness at the edges. Best of all, they’re so delicious on their own that you can skip the frosting for a lighter, fuss-free treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and delivers big on flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Weigh or Measure the Flour: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
- Chill for Success: Don’t skip the chilling step—it prevents the cookies from spreading too much and keeps them soft and chewy.
- Zest It Up: For an extra lime kick, add an additional ½ tsp of lime zest to the dough.
- Toasted Coconut Option: If you want a nuttier flavor, toast the shredded coconut in a skillet but heating over medium heat for 3 -5 minutes or until golden, stirring constantly. Mix the cooled toasted coconut into the cookie dough before portioning for baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—just pop them in a freezer-safe bag.
Why Skip the Frosting?
I tested these cookies with a buttercream coconut lime frosting similar to the one in my coconut lime cupcakes. While these cookies pair wonderfully with that flavor frosting, their natural flavor is so vibrant that they shine on their own. The combination of fresh lime juice, zest, and coconut emulsion creates a bold, tropical taste, and the shredded coconut adds just the right amount of texture. Plus, skipping the frosting makes them quicker to whip up and perfect for casual snacking or packing for on-the-go treats.
Make It Your Own
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Add a Crunch: Mix in ¼ cup of chopped macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 Tbsp water), and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
- Extra Zesty: Bump up the lime zest by an extra ½ tsp for an even bolder citrus flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Lime Coconut Cookies are a tropical dream come true—soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of 28 cookies that’ll transport you straight to a beachside paradise. No frosting needed, just pure, zesty goodness in every bite. Try them out and let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Happy baking!
Soft & Chewy Coconut Lime Cookies
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled) 300 g
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature 170 g
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g
- 1 large egg, at room temperature at room temperature
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1-2 limes) 30 g
- 1 Tbsp lime zest, from about 2 limes from about 2 limes
- 1 tsp LorAnn’s Coconut Emulsion
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut 40 g
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Remaining Wet: Beat in the egg, lime juice, lime zest, and coconut emulsion until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled due to the lime juice—no worries, it’s normal!
- Combine Wet & Dry: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the shredded coconut with a spatula for that tropical texture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling prevents spreading and enhances the chewy texture we love.
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop & Shape: Using a 1 ½ Tbsp cookie scoop, portion the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: These cookies are so flavorful they don’t need frosting! Serve them up and watch them disappear.
Notes
- Spoon & Level the Flour: Overpacking flour can make cookies dry. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Toasted Coconut Option: For a nuttier flavor, toast the shredded coconut skillet for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly until golden.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Super soft texture and love the unique flavor profile! If sitting on a beach were a cookie – it would be these!