Indulge in a tropical escape with every bite of these Coconut Lime Meltaway Cookie Bars! Bursting with zesty lime and rich coconut flavors, these delightful bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these melt-in-your-mouth cookie bars will leave you and your guests begging for more. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you'll want to keep this recipe close at hand for those unexpected cravings. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Mix for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.
- Add lime zest and lime juice to the butter mixture. Mix until well incorporated, ensuring the citrus flavors are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the shredded coconut using a spatula, distributing it evenly throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, uniform layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the top is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cookie slab out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 rectangular bars using a sharp knife.
- Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the powdered sugar. This will help achieve that light and fluffy texture.
- Fresh Lime Zest and Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh limes instead of bottled lime juice. The zest adds a vibrant aroma and enhances the overall taste of the bars.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so be gentle!
- Parchment Paper Overhang: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy removal but also helps to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookie bars come out perfectly.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Dusting for Presentation: For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar just before serving. It makes them look as good as they taste!
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg