Let’s talk about a cookie so bright, tropical, and genuinely irresistible, you’ll want to share it with every friend you know: Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies. Imagine the zing of fresh lime tangled up with the lush, sweet hint of coconut nestled in a thick, soft, sugar-kissed cookie—then crowned with velvety frosting that packs even more citrus and coconut flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a celebration, or simply brightening up an ordinary afternoon, these cookies bring sunshine to any table. If you love vibrant, homemade treats, you’ll want to keep this Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies recipe close at hand!

Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each simple ingredient in these Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies works its magic to give you a cookie with rich, chewy texture, tangy brightness, and a creamy cloud of frosting. Don’t skip or swap—everything plays a delicious part!

Salted Butter: Gives richness and flavor depth, plus a luscious mouthfeel in both the cookies and frosting.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies extra soft and tender for days.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and essential structure, with a bit extra for rolling and that craveable sugary top.
Powdered Sugar: Delivers melt-in-your-mouth softness in the cookie and a silky finish to the frosting.
Lime Zest: Infuses the dough and frosting with bright, aromatic citrus oils—zero bitterness, maximum zing.
Lime Juice: Lends tangy punch and the signature fresh lime flavor to both cookie and frosting.
Eggs: Add richness and help bind everything together for chewy, full-bodied cookies.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skimp on the good stuff!
Coconut Extract: Brings that dreamy, tropical coconut note that sets these cookies apart.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives body and chew; measure carefully for the perfect texture.
Baking Soda: Works with the cream of tartar to lift and lighten the cookies.
Cream of Tartar: Keeps sugar from crystallizing and ensures a soft, pillowy bite.
Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the other flavors.
Heavy Cream: Makes for a luscious, spreadable frosting that won’t dry out.
Additional Lime Zest: For topping—this gives your Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies that gorgeous, fresh-finished look.

How to Make Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking, but also ensures perfectly even golden bottoms and easy transfer after baking. Parchment makes cleanup effortless, too—a win for busy bakers.

Step 2: Cream the Butters, Oil, and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup softened salted butter, the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until creamy and completely combined. Scrape down the sides as you go—this is how you get those signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 3: Add Citrus, Eggs, and Extracts

Into your creamed mixture, mix in the lime juice, freshly grated lime zest, eggs, pure vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Beat until smooth, then scrape down the bottom and sides. These ingredients bring the bright layers of flavor that make Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies so special.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to the bowl. Stir on low only until the flour streaks disappear—do not overmix. The dough will be thick but soft, perfect for shaping.

Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Cookies

Roll the dough into 16 generous balls (around 3.2 ounces or 91g each) and space them evenly on your prepared baking sheets. To create the classic crackled top, spray the bottom of a glass or measuring cup with cooking spray, dip it in sugar, and gently press down each dough ball, twisting slightly to give the cookies a rustic cracked edge.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn the faintest gold. Pull them out before they look entirely done—resist the urge to overbake! Cooling on the baking sheet and then a wire rack finishes setting the centers, guaranteeing ultra-soft Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies every time.

Step 7: Whip Up the Coconut Lime Frosting

While cookies cool, beat the remaining ½ cup butter on high until silky, about 3–4 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice, coconut extract, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Start slowly, then whip at medium-high until the frosting is cloud-light and effortlessly spreadable. If needed, add an extra splash of cream to achieve the right consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Once cookies are cool, swirl generous dollops of frosting on each one. Finish with a sprinkle of vibrant lime zest for eye-popping color and a burst of fresh aroma. Pro tip: Try serving these Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies chilled—they’re unbelievably refreshing straight from the fridge!

How to Serve Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of lime zest over the frosted cookies takes them from delightful to dazzling. For a little sparkle, dust a pinch of extra granulated sugar or shredded coconut on top. Fresh lime slices or edible flowers make these Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies truly party-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with lightly sweetened iced tea, creamy coconut hot chocolate, or a tangy limeade for a flavor-themed treat. They also shine alongside fresh berries or a tropical fruit salad, balancing the citrus and coconut notes with natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies as the centerpiece of a dessert board surrounded by citrus wedges, coconut flakes, and candied ginger. For a festive touch, wrap individual cookies in parchment and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift or party favor. Or, make them the star of summer celebrations by building a “cookie sandwich” with a scoop of coconut ice cream squished in between.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for even longer freshness. Chilled cookies are especially delicious, as the flavors have had time to meld and the frosting stays stable and creamy.

Freezing

Both the baked, unfrosted cookies and the dough freeze beautifully! Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Baked cookies (without frosting) can be frozen the same way. For frosted cookies, freeze on a tray until solid, then store with parchment between layers.

Reheating

To refresh that “just-baked” texture, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about half an hour. If you’d like them gently warm, microwave for 10–15 seconds (before frosting) or let them sit in a warm oven for a few minutes. Frost chilled or at room temp for best results.

FAQs

Can I make Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, cover and chill it in the fridge, then shape and bake as directed. Cold dough may need an extra minute or two to bake—just watch for those golden edges.

Do I have to use coconut extract, or can I substitute something else?

Coconut extract gives these Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies their signature flavor, but in a pinch, you can increase the vanilla or add a tablespoon of shredded coconut to hint at the same tropical vibe. However, the extract really makes the coconut notes pop!

What’s the best way to zest limes?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the bright green outer skin, not the bitter white pith underneath. Zest your limes directly over the bowl to catch all the flavorful citrus oils—which bring out the fresh, bold taste in every bite.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes, substitute a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be irresistibly soft and full of coconut-lime punch.

How do I get perfectly crackled cookie edges?

Spraying the bottom of a glass and dipping it in sugar before pressing down the dough balls helps achieve signature cracks and a glittery top. Twist as you press for best results, and don’t be afraid to really flatten them out.

Final Thoughts

Nothing lifts spirits quite like a batch of Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies—each bite is a soft, sunshiny escape with bold, zesty flavors and sweet coconut frosting. I can’t wait for you to whip these up and share them with your friends or family. Trust me, there won’t be a single crumb left!

Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Makes 16 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies are a delightful tropical twist on classic sugar cookies. The combination of zesty lime and sweet coconut in both the cookie and frosting creates a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Instructions

Cookies Combine butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until creamy. Add lime juice, lime zest, eggs, vanilla, and coconut extract. Mix in flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Roll into balls, flatten, and bake.
Frosting Beat butter until creamy. Add half the powdered sugar, lime juice, coconut extract, vanilla, and cream. Mix, then add remaining sugar and cream. Beat until fluffy. Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with lime zest.

Notes

Chilling the cookies before serving enhances the flavors.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies, Coconut Lime Cookies, Lime Sugar Cookies, Tropical Cookies