Sunny, citrusy, chewy, and packed with tropical flavor, these Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies are seriously irresistible. Every bite hits that sweet spot between a soft, gooey cookie and a burst of tangy key lime, balanced by velvety white chocolate and a generous touch of coconut. If you crave a cookie that tastes like a mini vacation, you’ve just stumbled upon your new obsession!

Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these cookies are delightfully straightforward, but don’t be fooled—each plays a crucial part in the magic. From the punchy lime zest to the dreamy white chocolate, every component layers on flavor, texture, or that signature sun-kissed look.

Butter (softened): The cornerstone of a chewy, tender cookie with rich flavor and golden color.
Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and that perfect crackly top.
Lime extract or key lime juice: Infuses the dough with a bright, citrusy tang that makes these cookies sing.
Vanilla: Deepens the sweetness and rounds out the lime’s sharpness.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together and create that irresistible cookie chew.
Freshly grated key lime zest: Adds aromatic oils and an extra hit of citrus you can actually see and taste.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure without weighing the cookies down.
Baking soda: A touch of leavening for that perfect cookie rise and subtle puff.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.
White chocolate chips: Creamy, sweet pockets that melt in your mouth and balance the lime’s zing.
Sweetened flaked coconut: Toasty, chewy, and utterly tropical, it brings both flavor and texture to each cookie.

How to Make Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Flavors

Start by adding the softened butter, granulated sugar, lime extract (or key lime juice), and vanilla into the bowl of your stand mixer. Cream these together for about two minutes until the mixture turns pale yellow and fluffy—this step builds an airy texture and infuses the dough with all the citrusy bliss right away.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Lime Zest

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, glossy batter. Next, sprinkle in that freshly grated key lime zest. It might seem like a small detail, but those fragrant little flecks make each bite sing with authentic lime flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting creates a finer texture and ensures your cookies bake up evenly—no dry bits or uneven lumps. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, beating on low just until everything is incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and sweetened flaked coconut by hand. This keeps the dough tender and ensures every scoop of dough is studded with melty chocolate and chewy coconut. Once mixed, cover the dough and chill for at least an hour (or overnight, if you can wait)—chilling gives you thicker, bakery-style cookies.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal and even browning.

Step 6: Scoop and Space Out the Dough

Using a medium ice cream scoop (or a couple of spoons), portion out the dough, leaving about three inches between each mound. These cookies spread a bit, and you definitely want them to have room to breathe!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a tiny bit soft—this means they’ll stay chewy. Let them rest on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and finish baking perfectly.

Step 8: Store for Later (If You Can Resist!)

Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them tightly sealed at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, though they’re so tempting you might not have any left by day two!

How to Serve Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

To really make your Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies pop, try dusting them with a little extra lime zest or even a pinch of flaked sea salt right after baking. The zest amplifies the citrus aroma while the salt brings the white chocolate’s sweetness into sharper focus. For special occasions, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate gives them a show-stopping finish.

Side Dishes

Sure, cookies need no reason—just a plate and a little “me time”—but for a fun dessert spread, try pairing these cookies with a scoop of coconut ice cream or tangy lime sorbet. Chilled lemonade or iced coconut milk also makes a deliciously refreshing partner. If you’re feeling extra, tropical fruit salad alongside is pure bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies on a pretty cake stand or arrange them in a sunny basket with fresh lime halves for a summery vibe. For gifting, tuck them into a cute jar with a ribbon and a handwritten label—who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive these? Or crumble a few cookies over vanilla yogurt for an elevated parfait at your next brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and moist for up to four days. For extra chew, tuck a slice of bread into the container; it’ll help keep the cookies fresh.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container for up to three months. For fresh-baked goodness on demand, freeze balls of unbaked dough the same way and just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked aroma and gooey white chocolate, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Warm cookies taste even more amazing, with the coconut and lime flavors blossoming. If you’ve frozen them, let thaw at room temp or warm straight from frozen; just keep an eye so they don’t get too soft.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime instead of key lime?

Absolutely! While key limes have a slightly more floral, tart flavor, regular limes work beautifully. Just be sure to use freshly grated zest and juice for that bold citrus punch.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t strictly required, but it’s highly recommended—it helps control spread, intensifies flavor, and gives you cookies with thick, chewy centers and crispy edges. Even an hour makes a difference!

Could I use unsweetened coconut?

You can swap in unsweetened coconut if you want to dial back the sweetness or customize the texture slightly. The cookies may be a little less chewy, but the lime and white chocolate still shine through.

Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?

Yes! Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check your other ingredients to be sure they’re gluten-free too, and bake as directed—you’ll still get that signature Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. The dough can chill in the fridge for up to 48 hours, which only boosts the flavor. Or portion, freeze, and bake cookies straight from the freezer when the craving hits!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a batch of Key Lime Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a simple weeknight treat, these cookies never fail to brighten the room. Roll up your sleeves—your next favorite cookie adventure awaits!