Lime Sugar Cookies with Lime Glaze Recipe
Introduction
These Lime Sugar Cookies offer a bright twist on a classic favorite with zesty lime juice and zest baked into every bite. Soft and tender with a hint of citrus, they’re perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing, sweet treat.

Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lime (all of the juice and zest)
- 1½ cups flour
- 1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted, for glaze)
- 1 lime (juice for glaze)
- ¼–⅓ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cream the softened butter and sugar together using a mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt, then mix well.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 3: Zest one lime and add the zest to the dough. Squeeze all the juice from the lime and mix into the dough as well.
- Step 4: Gradually add the flour and continue mixing until just combined. If using, add 1-2 drops of green food coloring for a subtle tint. Chill the dough in an airtight container for 2 hours.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop the chilled dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Roll each ball in regular sugar until fully coated.
- Step 6: Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges begin to set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Step 7: To prepare the glaze, combine the melted butter and lime juice in a small bowl. Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing with a fork until the glaze reaches your desired thickness.
- Step 8: While the cookies are still warm, drizzle or spread a small amount of glaze on top. Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy your refreshing lime sugar cookies!
Tips & Variations
- For extra lime flavor, increase the lime zest slightly but be careful not to add too much juice to avoid making the dough too wet.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, reduce baking time slightly.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniformly sized cookies that bake evenly.
- Substitute lime with lemon for a different citrus twist.
- Green food coloring is optional and purely decorative; skip it for a more natural look.
Storage
Store the baked and glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls before baking and bake fresh when needed. Reheat glazed cookies gently in a low oven if desired, but glazing is best applied fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use lime juice concentrate instead of fresh lime?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor and acidity, but you can substitute with lime juice concentrate. Use about 2 teaspoons to replace the juice of one lime.
Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, more tender cookies.
Print
Lime Sugar Cookies with Lime Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Lime Sugar Cookies are a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies, bursting with zesty lime flavor from fresh lime juice and zest, and finished with a tangy lime glaze. Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional)
Glaze
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ to ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Then add baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt, mixing well to combine.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add lime zest and juice: Zest one lime and add the zest to the dough. Squeeze the juice from the lime and add it to the mixture as well, blending thoroughly.
- Add flour and chill dough: Gradually add 1 ½ cups of flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Cover the dough in an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
- Form dough balls and coat: Scoop the chilled dough by the tablespoon and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat all sides evenly.
- Bake cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto a cookie sheet, spaced apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven.
- Prepare glaze: While the cookies are still warm, mix melted butter and lime juice together. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring continuously with a fork until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle or spread a thin layer of glaze onto each cookie. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Green food coloring is optional and adds a fun visual lime effect.
- Make sure to chill the dough to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie shape.
- The glaze has a strong lime flavor; only a small amount is needed per cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies separately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lime Sugar Cookies, Citrus Cookies, Lime Glaze Cookies, Sweet Lime Cookies

