Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

July 11, 2025

- by Jenna

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These Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies are a tropical twist on a classic favorite! Bursting with zesty lime, sweet coconut, and a soft, chewy texture, they’re the perfect treat for sunny days, beach-themed parties, or anytime you crave a little sunshine in a bite. Plus, their crinkled powdered sugar coating makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A Tropical Flavor Explosion:

The combination of tangy key lime and sweet coconut creates a refreshing, vibrant taste that instantly transports you to a beachside paradise. Every bite is like a mini vacation!

Soft, Chewy, and Irresistibly Crinkled:

These cookies bake up perfectly puffy with a tender center and a delicate powdered sugar coating that cracks beautifully as they bake—just like a classic crinkle cookie should.

Quick and Easy to Make:

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together in no time. Even beginner bakers can whip up a batch with confidence!

Ingredients for Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

All-purpose flour:

Provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while staying soft.

Baking powder:

Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and fluffy texture.

Salt:

Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Butter:

Adds richness and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Granulated sugar:

Sweetens the dough and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.

Sweetened shredded coconut:

Infuses the cookies with tropical flavor and a subtle chewiness.

Eggs:

Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.

Key lime zest:

Packs a punch of bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.

Key lime juice:

Adds tangy freshness that balances the sweetness of the coconut and sugar.

Coconut extract:

Amplifies the coconut flavor for an extra tropical touch.

Powdered sugar:

Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds a delicate sweetness.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with quantities is provided in the recipe card just below.)

Variations

Gluten-free version:

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

Lemon instead of lime:

If key limes aren’t available, use regular lime or lemon zest and juice for a slightly different but equally delicious citrus twist.

Toasted coconut:

For a deeper coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut lightly before adding it to the dough.

How to Prepare Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2:

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, and shredded coconut until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the key lime zest, juice, and coconut extract.

Step 5:

Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 6:

Place powdered sugar in a small bowl. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 ½ – 1 ¾ Tbsp of dough) to portion the dough, roll into balls, and coat completely in powdered sugar.

Step 7:

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8:

Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the cookies are puffy and the edges are firm to the touch. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Tips and Tricks

Use room-temperature butter:

Soft butter creams more evenly with the sugar, ensuring a smooth, fluffy dough.

Don’t overmix the dough:

Mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid tough cookies.

Chill the dough if sticky:

If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.

How to Serve

With a tropical drink:

Pair these cookies with a piña colada, iced tea, or a citrusy cocktail for a beachy vibe.

As part of a dessert platter:

Serve alongside other tropical treats like macaroons or pineapple upside-down cake.

Gifted in a pretty jar:

Package these cookies in a decorative tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Freeze the dough:

Portion and freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Store in an airtight container:

Keep baked cookies fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Refresh powdered sugar coating:

If the powdered sugar fades, dust the cookies lightly before serving.

FAQ

1. Can I use bottled key lime juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled key lime juice works in a pinch. Adjust the zest for extra aroma.

2. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

Make sure to coat the dough balls generously in powdered sugar and avoid overbaking.

3. Can I omit the coconut?

Yes, but the texture and flavor will be less tropical. Add an extra ¼ cup flour to compensate.

Whether you’re dreaming of the tropics or just craving a bright, chewy cookie, these Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies are sure to delight. Happy baking!