Vegan Coconut Lime Holiday Cookies 🥥 – Tropical Twist for Festive Baking
Bring the tropics to your holiday table with these vegan coconut lime cookies—crispy edges, chewy centers, and a zesty kick!
These Vegan Coconut Lime Cookies are the perfect bridge between holiday cheer and tropical escape. With shredded coconut, lime zest, and coconut oil, they deliver a refreshing citrus twist that pairs beautifully with keto-friendly almond flour cookies. Whether you're hosting a plant-based gathering or adding a vibrant touch to your festive spread, these cookies will steal the show with their golden crispness and chewy centers.
Imagine the scent of toasted coconut mingling with bright lime as your kitchen fills with warmth. These cookies are easy to mix, roll, and cut, making them ideal for afternoon baking sessions when you're comparing plant-based options. Perfect for the 2-4 PM decision window, they satisfy both vegans and low-carb guests alike.
The dough balances richness and lightness, using coconut oil for a tropical flair and lime zest to cut through the sweetness. Each bite offers a textural contrast—crisp on the outside, chewy within—while the shredded coconut adds a subtle crunch. Pair them with our anchor Keto-Friendly Almond Flour Christmas Cookies for a diverse, health-focused holiday tray that impresses all dietary preferences.
Whether you're gifting them in festive tins or serving alongside a spiced chai latte, these cookies bring a refreshing, plant-based twist to your holiday menu. Let's dive into the details and make your cookie tray unforgettable!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (unsweetened, finely chopped)
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest (from 2 limes)
- ¼ cup lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup flaked coconut, toasted (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ½ cup shredded coconut. Make a well in the center.
- Step 2: Add melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix until a dough forms. If too dry, add 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk.
- Step 3: Divide dough into 24 portions. Roll into balls, then flatten with a fork or cookie press. Top with flaked coconut.
- Step 4: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Mix, roll, and bake in under 40 minutes—perfect for last-minute holiday baking or cookie swaps.
💰 Affordable
Uses pantry staples like coconut and flour, with no specialty ingredients.
👥 Crowd-pleaser
Balances tropical sweetness with zesty lime for universal appeal—vegan, keto, and omnivore friendly.
🌟 Festive Appeal
Golden color and coconut topping add holiday cheer while offering a refreshing citrus twist.
Vegan Coconut Lime Cookies
Tropical twist for your holiday cookie tray
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- - ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- - ½ cup coconut sugar
- - 1 tsp lime zest (2 limes)
- - ¼ cup lime juice (2 limes)
- - 1 cup all-purpose flour
- - ½ tsp baking powder
- - ¼ tsp salt
- - ¼ cup flaked coconut, toasted
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and ½ cup shredded coconut. Make a well in the center.
💡 Use a silicone spatula for even mixing.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix until a dough forms.
💡 If dough is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk.
Shape Cookies: Divide dough into 24 portions. Roll into balls, then flatten with a fork or cookie press.
💡 For uniform size, use a cookie scoop.
Bake: Top with flaked coconut and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden.
💡 Let cookies cool completely before storing.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Shredded Coconut
Provides moisture and tropical flavor. Use unsweetened for balance; sweetened adds extra sugar.
Substitutions: Replace with ½ cup oat flour + ¼ cup ground flaxseed for a nut-free option.
Coconut Oil
Adds richness and helps cookies spread evenly. Use refined for neutral flavor.
Substitutions: Substitute with melted vegan butter or avocado oil.
Coconut Sugar
Offers caramel-like sweetness and helps cookies caramelize. Can be swapped with brown sugar.
Substitutions: Use ¾ cup granulated sugar or maple syrup (reduce other liquids).
Lime Zest & Juice
Delivers bright citrus flavor. Freshly grated zest is key for aroma.
Substitutions: Use ½ tsp lime extract + 2 tbsp juice if fresh limes are unavailable.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
🍋 Zest First
Grate lime zest before juicing to preserve maximum aroma. Use a microplane for fine zest.
🔥 Temperature Control
Preheat oven fully. For even baking, rotate cookie sheet halfway through.
🥥 Toast Coconut
Toast flaked coconut in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden. Enhances flavor and prevents sogginess.
🍴 Cookie Press
Use a cookie press with a round disk for uniform shapes. No need for rolling pins!
Variations & Customizations
Citrus Medley
Add orange or lemon zest for a multi-citrus flavor. Substitute lime juice with equal parts orange juice.
Spiced Version
Mix in ½ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist. Perfect for holiday flavors.
Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ tsp xanthan gum to help with binding.
Mini Bites
Make 1-inch balls for bite-sized cookies. Bake 8-10 minutes. Ideal for appetizer platters.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Keto-Friendly Almond Flour Cookies: Contrast textures and flavors for a diverse holiday tray.
- Coconut Yogurt Dip: Add a creamy, dairy-free dip for extra indulgence.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warmth complements the citrus brightness.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a chilled glass of coconut water or a tropical mocktail like a lime-rum punch (non-alcoholic).
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Shape dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen (add 2-3 minutes to baking time).
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore crispiness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cookies spread too much. What can I do?
A: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to firm it up. Use parchment paper for even heat distribution.
Q: How can I make them gluten-free?
A: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ½ tsp xanthan gum for binding.
Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate?
A: Yes! Fold in chopped macadamia nuts or vegan chocolate chips for extra texture.
Q: Why are my cookies too dry?
A: Check if the coconut was over-toasted. Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Coconut Lime Cookies are more than a recipe—they're a festive experience. With their tropical flair and vegan-friendly twist, they're perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Whether you're catering to dietary preferences or simply craving a burst of sunshine in your cookie jar, these cookies deliver on flavor, texture, and beauty.
Pair them with our anchor Keto-Friendly Almond Flour Cookies for a cookie swap that covers all bases. For best Pinterest visibility, post this dessert pin as part of a complete meal series: start with the main cookies, follow with sides like coconut yogurt dip, and finish with a tropical mocktail. Happy baking, and may your holidays be as vibrant as these cookies!
