Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coconut Lime Swig Cookies are a tropical twist on the classic Swig-style sugar cookie, known for their soft, chilled centers and frosted tops. The combination of creamy coconut and zesty lime creates a refreshing and indulgent treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a burst of citrus flavor.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
flour
baking soda
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
sour cream
eggs
coconut extract
lime zest
lime juice
powdered sugar
cream cheese
shredded sweetened coconut
directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add the eggs, sour cream, coconut extract, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
Scoop the dough into balls and slightly flatten them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, lime juice, and coconut extract, and beat until smooth.
Frost the cooled cookies generously and sprinkle with shredded coconut.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 8-10 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Variations
Add a drop of green food coloring to the frosting for a fun, vibrant look.
Use toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.
Top each cookie with a thin lime slice or zest for garnish.
Swap the coconut extract for vanilla if preferred.
storage/reheating
Store Coconut Lime Swig Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
These cookies are best enjoyed chilled, but you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
FAQs
What are Swig cookies?
Swig cookies are a style of sugar cookies known for being thick, soft, and frosted, often served chilled.
Can I use fresh coconut?
Yes, but sweetened shredded coconut is easier to use and adds more flavor.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a non-dairy version.
Why chill Swig cookies?
Chilling helps maintain their soft centers and enhances flavor.
Can I skip the frosting?
You can, but the tangy lime frosting is key to their signature flavor.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze the cookies without frosting and add it after thawing for best texture.
Can I make them smaller or larger?
Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Is sour cream necessary?
Yes, it adds moisture and the signature soft texture.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Do they taste more like lime or coconut?
They offer a balanced blend of both, with a refreshing citrus kick.
Conclusion
Coconut Lime Swig Cookies are a vibrant, chewy, and refreshing dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your cookie jar. Their creamy coconut and bright lime flavors are the perfect match for warm weather or a cheerful pick-me-up any time of year.
PrintCoconut Lime Swig Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 dozen (about 24 cookies)
- Category: Dessert/Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, tropical‑twist sugar cookies flavored with lime and coconut, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup coconut oil (melted then measured)
- 1¼ cup granulated sugar plus ¼ cup reserved
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 2 eggs
- 5 cups all‑purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup butter (softened), 2 teaspoons lime juice, 2 teaspoons coconut extract, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 cups powdered sugar, lime zest for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream butter, coconut oil, granulated sugar (1¼ cups), and powdered sugar.
- Mix in lime juice, lime zest, coconut extract, then eggs.
- Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in separate bowl.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop ~2 Tbsp dough into balls; place on sheet.
- Dip bottom of a glass in reserved ¼ cup sugar (spray/wet glass if needed), press gently into dough balls to flatten (~½″ thick).
- Bake 6–8 minutes until bottoms are light brown; cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, lime juice, coconut extract, vanilla until fluffy; gradually add powdered sugar.
- Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra lime zest.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the cookies stay soft and moist.
- Frosting softens cookies further over time and tastes best the next day.
- Cookies can be frozen (frosted or unfrosted); layer with parchment; freeze up to 3 months.
- Use Key limes for a brighter lime flavor, and consider adding lime wedges to squeeze before serving.