Key Lime Coconut Cream Cheese Cookies
These cream cheese cookies are chewy, soft, and wonderfully tropical with addition of coconut and key lime flavors! Cream cheese is the ingredient that gives these coconut lime cookies their amazing soft and chewy texture.
Enjoy more coconut key lime flavored treats like key lime pie cheesecake and coconut key lime bread.
Table of Contents
Hello, summer! I plan on celebrating the sunny season with lots of tropical recipes just like this one. Key lime juice (and zest) combine with sweetened shredded coconut to create a flavor so beachy, you’ll feel like you’re lounging out in the sun… even if you’re just hanging out in your living room.
There are so many good things about these cream cheese cookies! For example, the cookie dough is SO easy to make, all you need is a bowl and a whisk. The cookie dough comes together quickly and kids absolutely love rolling the cookies, so it’s a fun family recipe. The best part is that the whole recipe only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish!
These chewy cookies are so easy to make in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients. Don’t you just love homemade recipes that are short and sweet? Your family will love the making these cookies this summer!
Ingredient Notes
Flour – All purpose flour works great. Make sure you spoon the flour into the measuring cup, rather than dunking the cup into the bag, and then cut it with the back of the knife to level. (When you dunk it, you really pack the flour in there.)
Coconut Flakes – use your favorite brand of sweetened coconut flakes! If you do want to go the extra mile, check out my recipe for coconut banana bread where I show you how you can make your own coconut flakes.
Key Limes – If you want true key lime flavor, it’s important to use real key limes! However, you can use regular limes, if there aren’t any key limes available near you, but use fewer. You will need zest from about 5 key limes but only about 2 regular limes.
Cream Cheese – For the very best soft and chewy texture, be sure to use cream cheese with the full fat content and not low fat. Make sure to let the cream cheese soften on the counter for about 30-45 minutes before baking.
Egg – It’ll need to warm up to room temperature prior to using. Let it sit on the kitchen counter for about 30-45 minutes.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda – It’s important to make sure both of these aren’t expired! In order for them to be potent and work properly, they must be used within 6 months of opening.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and instructions.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cookies
Start making the cookie dough. Place sugar, cream cheese, and lime zest in a large bowl (1).
Whisk it. Pour warm butter (2) over sugar and cream cheese and whisk until all combined (3). Add egg, milk, and lime juice, whisk well (4).
Make the cookie dough. Add flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and coconut. Mix with rubber spatula until completely combined (5).
Form the cookies. Use a cookie scoop to get even cookies (6). (I use either #50 or #40 cookie scoop.) Gently roll the dough into a ball and drop it into the bowl with powdered sugar (7). Lightly coat them in powder sugar (8).
Prepare for baking. Place the cookies on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart (9).
Bake. Bake at 350°F for 11 to 12 minutes.
Tips for the Best Coconut Cookies
- Make sure to whisk the ingredients very well before adding the flour. After you add the flour, switch to a rubber spatula and only mix until combined. Don’t over-mix at the end!
- Use a cookie scoop to get even amounts of cookie dough. That way, your cookies will all bake evenly. I recommend using #50 or #40 cookie scoop.
- Quickly but gently roll the dough into a ball. Don’t take too long and don’t handle the dough too much.
- If you want to have more key lime flavor, add zest from a couple more key limes. Do NOT add more lime juice! Only use zest to increase the flavor of key lime.
Recipe FAQs
You can store these cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You don’t need to refrigerate them unless you plan on storing them for longer than 3 days.
If you don’t normally use cream cheese on bagels and toast, you can incorporate your leftovers into other recipes! Some of my favorite ways to use up leftover cream cheese is to make stuffed French toast. Mix some cream cheese when making homemade mac and cheese or any other cheesy sauce.
You can also mix cream cheese into queso dip or nacho cheese to make it creamier. Likewise, you can stir it into other pasta sauces or soups to make them creamier.
Sure thing! You can definitely use lemon zest instead of lime in these cookies. Just note that key limes are MUCH smaller than lemons, so you will not need 4-5 of them. Start with 1 lemon and decide if that’s enough lemon flavor for you. If not, use zest from another 1/2-1 lemon.
How to Store Cream Cheese Cookies
Always make sure you’re storing cooled cookies! Let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.
If you’re going to eat them quickly, you can store them on the counter in an airtight container. You can use a cookie jar for storing if the jar has a well fitting lid. Make sure to keep the container away from direct sunlight or by a hot oven/stove top.
At room temperature, these cookies can last about 2 days when stored properly. Any longer, and you should refrigerate or freeze them.
How to Freeze Cookies
To freeze coconut cookies, lay them in a single layer on a wire rack and let them fully cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the wire rack in the freezer and let cookies freeze for 2 hours. Set the timer so you remember to grab them!
Once frozen, transfer the key lime cookies into a large zip-lock freezer bag. You can either store all of the cookies at once or portion them into smaller bags.
Make sure to label, seal, and place back into the freezer. Frozen crinkle cookies will keep for up to 6 months.
Frozen cookies thaw very quickly. You can simply leave a few on a wire rack and they’ll be ready to eat in about 30 minutes. If you have an immediate craving for a cookie, heat it in a microwave for 10-15 seconds.
More Soft Cookie Recipes To Try
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Coconut Key Lime Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 3 oz. cream cheese room temperature, cut into small pieces
- 5-6 key limes – zest only more if needed stronger flavor
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and still warm
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. whole milk
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Place sugar, cream cheese, and key lime zest in a large bowl.
- Pour warm butter over sugar and cream cheese and whisk until all combined.
- Add egg, milk, and lime juice, whisk well.
- Add flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and coconut flakes. Mix with rubber spatula until completely combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to get even cookies. (I use either #50 or #40 cookie scoop.) Gently roll the dough into a ball and drop it into the bowl with powdered sugar.
- Roll the ball in sugar and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the cookies on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11 to 12 minutes.
Video
Notes
- Make sure to whisk the ingredients very well before adding the flour. After you add the flour, switch to a rubber spatula and only mix until combined. Don’t over-mix at the end!
- Use a cookie scoop to get even amounts of cookie dough. That way, your cookies will all bake evenly. I recommend using #50 or #40 cookie scoop.
- Quickly but gently roll the dough into a ball. Don’t take too long and don’t handle the dough too much.
- If you want to have more key lime flavor, add zest from a couple more key limes. Do NOT add more lime juice! Only use zest to increase the flavor of key lime.
Nutrition
Originally published on Will Cook For Smiles in August, 2013.
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All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
So these freeze well? I need to make them a week ahead of time.
Hi Denise,
These cookies do freeze well! I hope you enjoy them!
love these Chewy Key Lime Coconut Cookies, seems super delicious . Will love to try these
I hope you like them!
Love these Chewy Key Lime Coconut Cookies, this are so delicious. Will love to try this one.
Thanks, Sara!
This one Chewy Key Lime Coconut Cookies seems fab and delicious, eager to try these, thanks for sharing this one ,will surely gonna try this .
I hope you enjoy them!
love this “Chewy Key Lime Coconut Cookies” something kids friendly stuff , will definitely gonna try this one, my little one will love this. Thanks for sharing.
I hope they love it!
I love lime and coconut. Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you, Emma!
Hi I made a batch but realized I don’t have powder sugar. Can I chill the dough till I get some?
Also I have a party next weekend. Can I freeze then balls of dough and bake them on the day? What would I change the time or temp too?
Thanks
Sabie, I’m very sorry for the late response. You can always add powdered sugar. I’ve never frozen cookie dough before so Ic cannot give you the best advice. I would refrigerate a few days prior to in Sarane wrap.
A Facebook friend posted your recipe. I read recipes and decide whether I might be able to adapt the recipe to lower fat and sugar. My changes for the lime cream cheese cookies worked great.
Because of family health issues I made these cookies last night but made the following changes: 1/2 cup honey instead of the sugar; 4 oz fat free cream cheese, not 3 oz regular cream cheese; 1/2 cup coconut oil instead of butter; 1 tablespoon of skim milk. I followed the directions as written. Before I baked the cookies I dipped them in a little Truvia. The cookies were delicious and chewy. I think the next time I make them I will add the zest of two limes, not one.
I would like to try these but am looking for a medium limey zing~is the lime taste in these cookies very subtle ? Maybe I could add a few drops of lime oil to the batter.
Hi Faith!
The lime is is pretty mild in here. You can try adding the oil, I just don’t have any experience with baking with essential oils. You can also try adding more lime zest to make it a stronger lime flavor.
Let me know how it works for you!!
I added 2 drops of the lime essential oil and still wasn’t limey enough. Nice texture though.
Oh boy 🙂
I’d try adding more lime zest but other than that, I’m not sure how to make it more limey.
They look amazing… I am pinning!
Hi, are you using sweet or unsweet shredded coconut in this recipe? Thanks!
I just made these to take to Thanksgiving tomorrow and they are delicious. I’m sure people will love them.
I’m so happy you liked it! Thank you, Amy. Happy Thanksgiving!
I love that I don’t need to get out the mixer! Can’t wait to make these tonight. Love anything citrus or chewy.
Me too! I love making things in a bowl (could be why I love brownies that much more). I hope you liked them, Krissa 🙂
The cookies are delicious! Very soft and the combo of coconut and lime are the best! You can also add chopped ginger candy 🙂 Lyuba, the second time i made it I double the baking powder. I like it bigger and add a pouch of Duncan Hines “Key Lime” flavour mix and cut the sugar into 3/4 cup. It enhances the lime flavour. The color changes into blue/green? Everybody loves it. Good job on this! 🙂
Oh, I love those little frosting packets. I have cotton candy cookies that are made with it, which are similar to these cookies. They are my sister’s and son’s absolute favorite. I’ll have to try adding the key lime one to these cookies next time. Thank you, Angie!
Sweetened or unsweetened coconut? Making these tomorrow and heading to the grocery store now.
Hi Karen,
I usually use sweetened coconut because I haven’t seen unsweetened in my stores. So for these cookies, I used sweetened. Enjoy!!
Hi Lyuba, I baked the cookies today. I just now realize that I should have coated them in powdered sugar before baking but did it afterwards. However, they turned out just wonderful and we love them. Coconut and lime is a great combination. Thank you very much for sharing the recipe. I definitely will make these cookies again :).
Julia
I’m so happy that you liked them, Julia! Coconut and lime really are meant to be together 🙂
Thank you!
These cookies need to happen soon! Lovely!
Thank you so much, Paula 🙂
I made these last night and used double the lime juice in an effort to make them tart and i still could not taste the lime at all. Any suggestions on making the taste more citrusy or tart?
Thank you!
Maybe a key lime glaze? How would I make it?
Tomas, most of the lime flavor and tartness comes from the zest not juice. Juice alone has a mild flavor when baking, so you should definitely use zest. How much zest did you put in?
I put the zest of 2 limes.
Oh wow, and they weren’t tart enough? Hmmm, my only suggestion would be to add more zest if you want a strong flavor. I don’t think that they sell a lime extract. I wouldn’t suggest adding more lemon juice because the flavor won’t be much stronger but it will be too much liquids. Make sure to use just the green part of the skin and not white (that part is bitter). May be see if you can find a fresh lime at a farmer’s market, they might be stronger in flavor that grocery store.
I hope this helps!
I love your recipes! My Mom was Polish and so many of the Russian ones you include remind me of her! Thank you SO much for bringing her back through your delicious recipes!
Aww, of course, Debi! Thank you 🙂
Loved the concept of these cookies! It wasn’t tangy enough with regular limes (key limes were a task to find in NJ) so I created a glaze to seep into the cookies after they were done baking. Juice from 1 lime + 1 tbsp lemonade mix + dash of water. It turned out delicious. Hopefully my boyfriend will enjoy them for Valentine’s Day. Thank you!
What a great fix! I hate it that key limes are not in season right now, I miss them 🙂
It would like a great fix and quick thinking! I’m sure he will love the cookies!
These cookies were a bit underwhelming. In reading back through the recipe, I realized that I had left out the salt. It was listed in the ingredient list but not in the instructions. Maybe those should be updated so no one makes a similar mistake.
Thank you for letting me know, Jen!
I made the cookies but did not use salt. See my substitutions below from Julie.
These are delicious. I rolled then in granulated augar instead of powdered sugar so they would stand up a little better for packing. Great recipe! Thank you.
Thank you so much, Sue! LOVE reading these kinds of comments!!
Hi,
I just made these and they are delicious!!! I did substitute coconut cream for the whole milk and it worked out fine. To all your lemon lovin’ friends… I have a similar recipe for lemon cookies so yes, you could substitute, and they too are delicious!
Hope you and your family had a happy birthday celebration!!!
Thank you, Christine! I am so glad you loved the cookies! I love receiving comments like yours 🙂
I am featuring this recipe on foodie friday today and will be pinning and tweeting it too.
Thank you so much, Diane!! So sweet 🙂
they look yummy!
Thank you, Dina!
Chewy cookies are my FAVORITE!! The combo of lime and coconut sounds so yummy! I will be trying these out soon 🙂
Hope you do, Kristen! Thank you 🙂
love these cookies and wanted to make them for my glutin free friends,, can you help?
Thank you so much, Valerie!
Try gluten free flour may be? I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about gluten-free because no one in my family has gluten sensitivity.
I thought I pinned these cookies when I first looked a this recipe. Need to do that now… great flavor. Thanks for sharing them with us on foodie friday.
Awww, thank you!
These are perfection! Have a great time with your little guy!!!
Thank you so much, Melissa!
Key Lime is my husband’s favorite thing ever!! These will be on our list for sure.
They are a must have!! Thank you, Kristi! Hope you all enjoy them 🙂
Sounds like a fantastic birthday for your little guy! Thanks for linking these amazing cookies up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
It sure was! Thank you, Karly!
These look delicious! What a great combination of lime and coconut. Can’t wait to try.
Thank you, Sherri!
Oh man! These cookies sound amazing!! Yay for Disney World!
Thank you, Trish! We had a great time!
Hi Lyuba,
I have had my eye on these cookies since you brought them to the table, I must fill my cookie jar with these awesome cookies. Thank you so much for sharing your delicious recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
Have a great weekend!
Miz Helen
Awww, yay! Thank you, Miz Helen!
I love key lime and loving how soft these cookies look! They look amazing Lyuba!
Very soft and chewy! Thank you so much, Mackenzie!
Fabulous! Want one now!
Thank you, Diana!
Yum! These sound great! I’m a new follower by way of Diana Rambles Pin Me linky party. have a great weekend!
Melanie
Thank you so much for visiting, Melanie! Welcome!
Key lime and coconut is such an awesome combo! I love how puffy and chewy these cookies look! Have fun at Disney with your cute little guy!!!
Oh, I know! This is definitely our favorite cookie!
Thank you, Jocelyn!
This looks absolutely yummy!
Thank you so much, Marilyn!
Could there be a more perfect cookie? Key Lime and Coconut. YUM! I would LOVE to have you share these at my link party! Following you via facebook!
http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2013/08/homemade-by-you-63.html#more
Thank you, Katie 🙂
My baby just turned 4 today! Time flies!
ps Your cookies look delish! 🙂
Awww, happy late birthday to your baby! Thank you, Ginger!
These cookies are delicious! We even had to sub the flour for gluten free flour, and they still turned out amazing! Thank you for the recipe!
Wonderful to hear, Kristy!! Thank you 🙂
Awesome combination – lime and coconut! I’m trying these this weekend. Think I could substitute almond milk for the whole milk?
I think you can, I had to sub soy milk for the whole milk and it tasted amazing!
Thanks, Kristy! I think you should be ok too, Terri. I’ve never tried almond milk (although I keep meaning to) but I don’t see why I would harm the recipe 🙂
These look so yummy!! Pinning now!
Thank you, Kelsey!!
Those sound delicious! Happy Late Birthday!
Thank you so much, Tonia!
Lime and coconut-what a great combination of flavors!
Sure is, Tammy! Tropical goodness 🙂
Thank you for stopping by!
Can I sub the butter with raw coconut oil?
Hi Bonnie! I’ve actually never worked with coconut oil so I can’t give you that answer. All I can say is try and see what happens 🙂
Made these by swapping out the butter for raw, organic, coconut oil and they were fantastic!
Wonderful! I’ve got to try the coconut oil!
Thanks 🙂
I love lemon cookies so I’m pretty sure I’d dig these Key Lime ones. 🙂 They look so refreshing!
They are great for sure, Nat! Thank you!
Hey Carla, Courtney from FrySauceandGrits.com. I love this recipe! Hope to see it on My Recipe Magic!
I hope you had a good time at Disney! It’s always fun when it’s a kids first time going. 🙂
These look fabulous! Pinning and sharing on FB and Twitter tomorrow. Thanks for sharing at MM, Lyuba!
We sure did! Awesome time 🙂
Thank you, Julie!
These look spectacular! I love key lime anything, so I’m definitely pinning these.
Thank you, Marcie!
These cookies look amazing and I LOVE the combination of key lime and coconut. 🙂 Happy Birthday to your little boy- I am so jealous you all are at Disney right now. 😉 I can’t wait to take baby girl, but yes… we are waiting until she is actually old enough to remember it too!
Thank you for sharing at Marvelous Mondays this week!
Thank you, Carrie!
We has an awesome time!
These look and sound yummy, My husband loves Key Lime anything. I can’t wait to try them.
Thank you, Mary! Enjoy!!
Yum! My mouth started watering! Stop by my Friday’s Five Features and link up this post (and others)! http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2013/08/fridays-five-features-no-3.html
Haha, then it worked 🙂 Thank you, Becca!
These look and sound absolutely scrumptious!
Thank you, Marty!
Oh Lyuba! these look heavenly! you always make the yummiest eats! 🙂
awww, thank you, Lisa!
Hi Lyuba! Just found this recipe on Think Pink Sunday! I love anything to do with coconut and these cookies look just as soft and chewy as you describe! Thanks for sharing, pinning and sharing some FB & twitter love!
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment, Kat!
You had me at Key Lime!!! Yum!
Hehe, thank you, Heidi!
YUM! I Love lime and coconut together – cannot wait tor try these
Me too! Thank you, Heather!
I adore chewy cookies! Even better that yours have coconut in them. This is the perfect combination for me.
Thank you, Christie!
I would love to try these, but what is “sugar7”. Thank you!
Haha, that is a typo you make trying to pre-schedule something at midnight 🙂
Thanks for catching it!
Wow Lyuba! These look amazing! I have been a bit obsessed with lemon lately, so I wonder if I could replace key lime with some lemon… I’ll have to try this!
Give your taste bods a surprise, I’m sure they’ll like it 🙂
Thank you!
Love this recipe…and I love making cookies! My oldest is coming home to visit this weekend, so I’ll have to whip these up for him. Hope you are having a blast celebrating this weekend! They get so big…so fast! Your little one is absolutely adorable…I love this age! Then they turn 22 yrs old! (=
Lol, I still can’t believe your oldest is 22 🙂
Thank you, Gloria! Enjoy the cookies!
Would love to make these NOW but I have no cream cheese…any substitutions I can make? Can I omit the cream cheese?
Rose, cream cheese is what actually makes these cookies chewy in the center. It’s pretty vital to the recipe. Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you try the cookies soon 🙂
I substituted cottage cheese for the cream cheese. Equal parts in substitution. Just needs to be pureed or put thru a food processor.
Saw these in my BlogLovin’ feed and had to check them out – YUM! Pinned them to my cookie board – you have the greatest recipes (and photos!) Happy birthday to your little man!
Ang, Juggling Act Mama
Thank you so much, Ang!
Lime and coconut together sounds wonderful!
What fun to go to Disney on the little guy’s birthday…enjoy your day!
Thank you, Carla!