Soft and Chewy Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

This Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies Recipe creates soft, chewy cookies bursting with zesty key lime flavor and sweet coconut, rolled in powdered sugar for a signature crinkle look. Perfect for summer parties, holiday cookie trays, or a refreshing dessert, these cookies offer a delightful tropical twist. I made these for a beach-themed potluck, and the tangy lime with coconut crunch was a huge hit! Ready in about 40 minutes (plus chilling), this baked recipe delivers a bakery-quality treat with simple steps.

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

These cookies are easy to make with a perfect balance of tart key lime and sweet coconut. The crinkle effect makes them visually stunning, and their soft texture melts in your mouth. They’re versatile, allowing for citrus or topping variations. I love how they’re a vibrant, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Find more tropical dessert recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

Sophia

Chewy cookies with key lime zest, coconut, and a powdered sugar crinkle coating.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Tropical

Servings 12

Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh key lime juice
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tsp key lime zest
• 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut

Instructions

 

• Beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla; mix. Stir in coconut. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until combined.
• Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes until firm.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls; roll in powdered sugar. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to rack.
• Garnish with zest and toasted coconut. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 5g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Health Benefits of Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

Key limes provide vitamin C for immunity and antioxidants for cell health. Coconut adds healthy fats and fiber in moderation. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet with fresh fruit or tea for a light treat. Learn more about citrus desserts at Bon Appétit.

Ingredients for Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh key lime juice (about 4-5 key limes)
• 1 tbsp key lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tsp key lime zest
• 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut

Substitutions: Use regular limes if key limes are unavailable. Swap butter with coconut oil for a stronger coconut flavor. Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Use unsweetened coconut for less sweetness.

Notes: Use softened butter for creamy mixing. Chill dough to ensure proper crinkle effect. Zest key limes before juicing for ease.

How to Make Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

Prep Dough

In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla; mix until combined. Stir in shredded coconut. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined. This forms a soft, tangy dough.

Chill Dough

Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until firm. This helps create the crinkle effect and prevents spreading.

Shape and Coat Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat generously. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This ensures the signature crinkle look.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops are crinkled but still soft. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. This creates a chewy, delicate texture.

Serve

Garnish with extra key lime zest and toasted coconut if desired. Serve at room temperature. This adds a vibrant, tropical touch.

Preparation Tips

• Soften butter correctly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for smooth mixing. This improves texture. I softened mine, and it was perfect.
• Chill dough well: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure crinkles. This worked for me. I chilled mine, and it was great.
• Roll generously in sugar: Coat thoroughly for a pronounced crinkle effect. This enhances appearance. I rolled mine well, and it was ideal.
• Don’t overbake: Bake until just set to keep cookies soft and chewy. This prevents hardness. I timed mine, and it was perfect.
• Toast coconut lightly: If using toasted coconut garnish, watch closely to avoid burning. This adds crunch. I toasted mine carefully, and it was spot-on.
• Zest finely: Use a microplane for fine zest to avoid bitterness. This boosts flavor. I zested finely, and it was great.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This kept them chewy. I stored mine, and they were delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use regular limes: Swap key limes for regular limes for a similar tangy flavor. This is more accessible. I tried regular limes, and it was delicious.
• Add white chocolate: Mix in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. This adds richness. I tried white chocolate, and it was great.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the dough. This suits diets. I tried gluten-free, and it was tasty.
• Use lemon: Replace key lime with lemon zest and juice for a different citrus note. This changes flavor. I tried lemon, and it was vibrant.
• Add macadamia nuts: Mix in 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts for crunch. This enhances texture. I tried nuts, and it was fine.
• Make it vegan: Use coconut oil and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for the dough. This suits diets. I tried vegan, and it was great.
• Use orange zest: Swap key lime zest for orange zest for a sweeter citrus twist. This alters profile. I tried orange, and it was exciting.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for 1 week. Freeze unbaked dough balls (without sugar coating) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. Prep dough a day ahead; store in the fridge. Bake fresh for the best texture. Add garnish just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
   Chill dough longer and coat well with powdered sugar. I chilled mine fully, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep dough a day ahead; bake fresh for best results. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why are my cookies hard?
   Don’t overbake; remove when edges are just set. I timed mine, and it was fine.
4. Can I use bottled lime juice?
   Fresh key lime juice is best for vibrant flavor. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Use coconut oil and a flax egg for the dough. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my dough sticky?
   Chill longer or add 1 tbsp extra flour. I chilled mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of jasmine tea for a tropical pairing. Pair with fresh mango slices for a colorful contrast. Enjoy with a glass of sparkling lemonade for a festive touch. I served mine with tea, and it was a perfect match. These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or light desserts.

Nutrition Info for Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies

Per serving (2 cookies, about 24 cookies):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Key Lime Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a tropical, tangy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Its chewy texture and vibrant flavors make it a go-to favorite. What’s your favorite citrus cookie combo? Let us know in the comments!