Looking for a refreshing twist on classic cookies? These Vegan Key Lime Cookies are packed with vibrant lime flavor and a delicate, chewy texture. They’re the perfect combination of citrusy zing and sweetness, offering a light and refreshing treat that’s 100% plant-based! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies will hit the spot.
Why These Vegan Key Lime Cookies Are a Must-Make:
- Tangy & Sweet: Infused with fresh lime zest and a splash of lime juice, these cookies bring the right amount of citrusy zing to satisfy your taste buds.
- Chewy & Crispy: The exterior of the cookie is crisp, while the inside stays soft and chewy—just how a perfect cookie should be.
- Super Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complex steps. With a few pantry staples and a little time, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
- Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: Made without eggs, dairy, or any artificial coloring, these cookies are perfect for a plant-based diet and can be enjoyed by those with allergies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Vegan Key Lime Cookies:
- 1 cup coconut oil (solidified or any plant-based butter)
- ¾ cup organic granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds (for flax egg)
- 2.5 tablespoons water (for flax egg)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 3 key limes (or regular limes)
- Juice of 2 key limes (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Ingredient Tips:
- Coconut Oil: Reddit Forum will say Using solid coconut oil will give your cookies the perfect texture. If you prefer a more neutral taste, use refined coconut oil.
- Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest bring out the best natural flavor. Feel free to substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable, though key limes have a unique tartness.
- Flax Egg: The flax egg replaces the traditional egg in this vegan recipe. It helps to bind the dough and contribute to the chewy texture.
- Sugar Options: You can swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a more natural, less processed option. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How to Make Vegan Key Lime Cookies:
Step 1: Make the Flax Egg > More Easy to Watch this Video
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds and 2.5 tablespoons water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and form a gel-like consistency.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, beat together coconut oil and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
- Add in the flax egg, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold in 1 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips. These add a nice contrast to the tangy lime flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking them.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape.
Storage & Tips:
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay chewy and fresh for several days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough! Scoop dough balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly on the baking sheet and bake for an extra 1-2 minutes.
- Avoid Overbaking: For the best texture, make sure the cookies are soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
FAQs:
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
- Yes, regular limes will work fine. Key limes have a milder, more intense flavor, but regular limes will still provide a great citrusy kick.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
- You can substitute gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make these cookies without coconut oil?
- Yes! You can use vegan butter as a substitute for coconut oil. If you prefer, you can also use olive oil or sunflower oil for a slightly different flavor.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough?
- Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries would complement the lime flavor nicely. Add them in at the same time as the chocolate chips.
Recipe Summary:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: About 16 cookies
Nutrition (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
These Vegan Key Lime Cookies are a perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they’ll become a new favorite treat in your kitchen. Enjoy these as a refreshing snack or serve them at your next gathering!