Key Lime Pie Cookies (Gluten Free)

gluten free key lime pie cookies on baking sheet with spatula picking up one of them

The only thing better than key lime pie are these Key Lime Pie Cookies! They feature a soft & chewy graham cracker-inspired cookie and a rich, creamy & tangy key lime filling. Inspired by Crumbl, but made even more delicious, gluten free and healthier at home. This bright and zesty dessert is perfect for all your Spring and Summer baking needs!

Servings large cookies

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Cooling Time 20

Total Time 52

Equipment

microplane zester
cutting board
knife
food processor or blender
2 medium bowls
1 large bowl
whisk
hand or stand mixer
spatula
digital kitchen scale (optional)
parchment paper
extra large baking sheet or 2 normal baking sheets
wire rack

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup gluten free graham cracker crumbs (108g) SEE NOTE*
1 ¼ cup gluten free 1-to-1 flour or AP flour (150g)**
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ cup cane sugar or granulated sugar (50g)
¼ cup brown sugar (50g)
1 tbsp key lime zest
½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature, NOT fully softened (113g)
1 large egg
1 tbsp fresh key lime juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Key Lime Filling:

½ cup + 2 tbsp full-fat plain greek yogurt (5oz)***
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp fresh key lime juice
1 tbsp key lime zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
pinch of kosher salt

For Garnishing:

key lime slices
key lime zest

Instructions

First, add all of the key lime filling ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside in the fridge to chill and thicken up while you prepare the cookies.
½ cup + 2 tbsp full-fat plain greek yogurt, ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, 2 tbsp fresh key lime juice, 1 tbsp key lime zest, ½ tsp vanilla extract, pinch of kosher salt
Next, preheat your oven to 350F and line an extra-large baking sheet (21x15") or 2 normal size baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, flour, salt, baking powder & soda until combined. Set aside.
1 cup gluten free graham cracker crumbs, 1 ¼ cup gluten free 1-to-1 flour, ½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda
In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), add cane sugar, brown sugar and key lime zest. Use your hands to massage the key lime zest into the sugar - this releases the oils in the zest and adds extra flavor! Then, add in butter and beat with a hand or stand mixer for 2 minutes, or until fluffy.
½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup cane sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp key lime zest
Add in egg, key lime juice and vanilla extract and beat for another minute. It won't look fully combined - that's okay! Finally, add in the dry ingredients and switch to a spatula to stir until combined.
1 large egg, 1 tbsp fresh key lime juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Measure out 1.5 tbsp (or 1.5oz) of dough, roll into balls, and place at least 2" apart on the prepared baking sheet(s). Use the back of a rounded tablespoon (or your thumbs) to create a deep well in the center of each cookie. The dough is a bit sticky, so it's helpful to spray the back of the tablespoon with some cooking oil.
Transfer cookies to the oven to bake for about 12 minutes. The cookies will have puffed back up, so immediately after removing them from the oven use the back of a rounded tablespoon to create a well in each. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cool, add about 1 tbsp of the key lime filling to each well. Spread it out with a small knife or offset spatula. Garnish each with a key lime slice and more key lime zest. Best enjoyed chilled, but can be eaten right away too!
key lime slices, key lime zest

Video

Notes

*NOTE: To keep these gluten free, I used Simple Mills Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins (you will need slightly less than 1 box). You can also use normal graham crackers if you're not gluten free. Add them to a food processor or blender and pulse until they turn into a fine crumbs. Measure out 1 cup (or 108g) and proceed with the recipe.

**NOTE: My two favorite brands of gluten free 1-to-1 flour are Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur Flour, both of which contain xanthan gum which is a crucial ingredient. You can also substitute normal AP flour if you're not gluten free.

***NOTE: This will work with any brand of greek yogurt, but I prefer a really thick one like Fage so that the filling more closely resembles a true key lime pie!

GENERAL NOTE: For the most accurate results, I always recommend using a digital kitchen scale for measuring your ingredients! If you don't own one, be sure to measure your dry ingredients with the spoon & level method.

Calories: 231kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword: Cookies, Dessert, Easter Recipes, Gluten Free, Graham Crackers, Greek Yogurt, Key Lime Pie, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Vegetarian

Nutrition