Irresistible Key Lime Pie Cookies: A Zesty Twist on a Classic Dessert
Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of flavors with our Key Lime Pie Cookies— a delightful fusion of the classic pie and chewy cookies. These citrus-infused treats are a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, guaranteed to transport your senses to a tropical paradise. In this detailed guide, we’ll take you step by step through creating these mouthwatering Key Lime Pie Cookies, ensuring a baking experience that’s as enjoyable as the end result.
Ingredients: For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, fresh key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the cookies cool, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and key lime zest in a bowl.
- Create Sandwiches:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous dollop of the key lime filling on the bottom of one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich.
- Chill and Enjoy:
- Place the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set. Serve chilled and savor the zesty goodness!
Cook Notes:
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed key lime juice and zest for the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Cookie Size Matters: Adjust the size of your cookie scoops to achieve the perfect ratio of cookie to filling.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure the egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the cookie dough.
Variations:
- Graham Cracker Coating:
- Roll the edges of the cookie sandwiches in crushed graham crackers for an extra touch of authenticity.
- White Chocolate Drizzle:
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled cookies for a visually appealing and decadent twist.
- Coconut Infusion:
- Add shredded coconut to the cookie dough or sprinkle it on the filling for a tropical kick.
Keto Versions:
- Almond Flour Substitute:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly cookie base.
- Sugar-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- Use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk to maintain the sweetness without the carbs.
Low Carb Versions:
- Coconut Flour Option:
- Substitute coconut flour for all or part of the flour to reduce the carb content.
- Stevia Sweetener:
- Replace granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia.
In conclusion, these Key Lime Pie Cookies are a taste sensation that marries the best of both cookie and pie worlds. The zesty key lime flavor combined with the chewy texture of the cookies creates an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a dessert aficionado, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Experiment with the suggested variations or create your own twist to make these cookies uniquely yours. Share the joy of these delectable treats with friends and family, and let the aroma of freshly baked Key Lime Pie Cookies fill your kitchen with happiness. Get ready for a burst of citrusy delight in every bite!
