Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Snowball Cookies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth coconut cookies with a bright lime twist, dusted in powdered sugar for a delicate finish. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 29 minutes layers unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for dusting powdered sugar, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 14 min Serves 24 American cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp lime zest and 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut until evenly combined.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Step 5: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
  7. Step 7: Remove cookies from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat completely.
  8. Step 8: Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar before serving for an extra snowball effect.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Snowball Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Snowball Cookies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Snowball Cookies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Snowball Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Snowball Cookies?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.