Coconut Lime Spring Cookies

Name: Coconut Lime Spring Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lime; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

I love making these Coconut Lime Spring Cookies because they perfectly capture the essence of spring! The bright citrus notes from the lime combined with the sweet creaminess of coconut create a delightful treat that's refreshing and satisfying. Every bite is a burst of tropical flavor that reminds me of sunny days and beach vibes. These cookies are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for gatherings or just treating myself on a cozy afternoon. I'm excited to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-15T14:25:18.294Z

When I decided to bake these Coconut Lime Spring Cookies, I wanted a recipe that would evoke freshness and joy. The combination of coconut and lime worked wonderfully, offering a perfect balance of flavors. I found that incorporating lime zest not only enhanced the taste but also added a beautiful color to the dough.

A tip I discovered while making these cookies is to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies to hold their shape while allowing the flavors to meld, resulting in a perfectly textured treat that everyone will love!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Unique tropical fusion of coconut and zesty lime
Soft, chewy texture with a slight crisp on the edges
A refreshing and light dessert perfect for any occasion

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Coconut Lime Spring Cookies plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour, along with baking powder and baking soda, ensures a balanced rise and chewiness. The sugars not only sweeten but also contribute to the softness of the cookie, while the inclusion of unsalted butter adds a rich creaminess. If you're in a pinch, canola oil can be used as a substitute for butter, although it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Coconut and lime work beautifully together to create a tropical escape in every bite. The shredded coconut adds a unique chew, while the zesty lime brings brightness, cutting through the sweetness. For those looking to lower the sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly and replace it with extra lime juice to maintain the moisture levels in the dough. A fine balance is key to capturing the essence of this spring-inspired treat.

Techniques for Perfect Cookies

Chilling the dough is an essential step that shouldn't be skipped. It allows the fats in the dough to solidify, which results in cookies that spread less during baking, giving you that desired thickness. A thirty-minute chill works well, but for even better results, you can chill the dough for up to two hours. Keep in mind, though, that you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it gets too firm.

When baking these cookies, keep an eye on the edges as they turn lightly golden. This usually happens around the 10 to 12-minute mark. If your cookies are not browning at the edges but look set in the center, they may need a minute or two more in the oven. Remember, cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat, so don’t wait until they are overly brown.

Ingredients

Gather these delightful ingredients to make your Coconut Lime Spring Cookies:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup shredded coconut
1/4 teaspoon salt

With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create something delicious!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your Coconut Lime Spring Cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the shredded coconut.

Chill and Scoop

Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then scoop tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Enjoy your delicious cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of coconut extract to the dough.

Storing and Freezing

These Coconut Lime Spring Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container. This will help retain moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming too hard. For longer storage, you can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just be sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

If you're planning to freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime!

Serving Suggestions

These cookies make a lovely addition to any spring gathering or brunch. Pair them with a refreshing iced tea or a tropical fruit salad to enhance the flavors. For a more indulgent treat, consider serving them alongside a coconut cream dip or drizzle with a lime glaze for extra zing. Their vibrant flavors can complement savory dishes, too; try serving them after a light seafood meal as a refreshing dessert.

If you're feeling adventurous, explore adding white chocolate chips or macadamia nuts to the dough for a richer flavor profile. You could also experiment with different citrus variations by using lemon or grapefruit zest instead of lime for a unique twist. This flexibility makes it easy to customize these cookies to suit your taste or occasion!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly to maintain the sweetness.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for lime juice?

You could substitute lemon juice, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.