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Betsylife » Recipes » Desserts » Basil Lime Sugar Cookies

Basil Lime Sugar Cookies

August 6, 2018 By betsy 59 Comments

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A soft batch sugar cookie recipe with an herbaceous twist! You won’t be able to stop eating these easy basil lime sugar cookies. 

Stack of 5 basil lime sugar cookies with half a lime and a sprig of basil on the side

Blogging can be a pretty interesting thing. I originally wrote this post in February of 2012.

Back then, I was doing something called the Secret Recipe Club, where bloggers were assigned recipes from each other’s sites once per month, and we all cooked and posted about them.

Blogging was VERY different back in those days.

I’m not sure I had even heard the word influencer before.

Tray of unbaked balls of basil lime sugar cookie dough next to a cutting board with lime and basil

The rise of social media has changed blogging in so many ways. The days of blog writing camaraderie like the Secret Recipe Club are a thing of the past. That’s not to say it’s not still a supportive community, it’s just that the support is shown in different ways now.

The cool part about all this is the fact that I have a bit of a written history to look back on. I love reading old posts, but I generally hate looking at the old photos, which is why I often re-do the photos like I did in this instance.

Soft Batch Basil Lime Sugar Cookies


Cooling rack filled with basil lime sugar cookies

This particular recipe came from a blog called Big Fat Baker. The recipe no longer exists on her site as far as I know, or I would absolutely be linking to it because THESE COOKIES ARE THE BEST EVER.

I loved this basil lime sugar cookie recipe so much from the first taste, that I claimed it as my signature cookie. Over the years I have made these dozens of times, brought them to countless parties, and have personally eaten my body weight worth.

Perfectly soft and puffy sugar cookies with a completely unexpected zesty, herbaceous flavor from the basil and lime. 

They are my all time favorite.

Fingers sprinkling sugar on a stack of basil lime sugar cookies
 
Another blogging bonus is simply the fact that I even found this recipe that has become a family favorite.
 
I’d love to hear if you’ve found a family staple recipe on a blog or from Pinterest and what it is. Leave a comment below and tell me which online recipes you can’t live without.
 
If you’re thinking about making this basil lime sugar cookie recipe, DO IT!!! Best cookies ever. You will not regret it. Be sure to post a pic and tag @betsylife on either Facebook or Instagram and let me know what you think.
 
 
cooling rack filled with basil lime sugar cookies. Cookie in foreground is broken in half and inside is exposed.

 

4.24 from 101 votes
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Soft Batch Basil Lime Sugar Cookies

A lime sugar cookie recipe with an herbaceous twist! You won't be able to stop eating these easy basil and lime cookies. 

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword basil lime sugar cookies, soft batch sugar cookie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 16 cookies
Calories 141 kcal
Author betsy

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • zest from one lime
  • 3 tbsp very finely chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line the cookie sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
  2. In a stand mixer (or hand-held mixer) cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg, vanilla, zest, and basil. Mix together until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then mix into the butter mixture until combined.
  5. Scoop cookie dough using a 2" cookie scoop. Place dough balls about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheets.

  6. Bake 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies/oven.
  7. Allow to cool on a cooling rack for a few minutes
Nutrition Facts
Soft Batch Basil Lime Sugar Cookies
Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories 141 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 25mg8%
Sodium 117mg5%
Potassium 18mg1%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 220IU4%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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More Cookie Recipes From Scratch 

  • Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
  • After School Snack Cookies 
  • White Chocolate, Lime and Coconut Cookies 
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Filed Under: Desserts, Popular on Pinterest, Recipes

Comments

  1. Fresh and Foodie says

    February 13, 2012 at 11:15 am

    Yum! What a cool and unique cookie recipe.

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:24 am

      so awesome. I’m totally obsessed

      Reply
  2. Devon Riesenberg says

    February 13, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Visiting from SITS 🙂 I’m also a fellow San Diego Mom Blogger !
    These look absolutely divine! I love basil…
    glad I found your site, can’t wait to read more 🙂

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:23 am

      Nice to meet you! I love meeting San Diego locals 🙂

      Reply
  3. dan says

    February 13, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    I think you won me at “They actually taste kind of like margaritas to me.” I’ve already emailed the recipe to my baker 🙂

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:28 am

      you will not be disappointed 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kelley says

    February 13, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Looks good! Very interesting recipe.

    Reply
  5. Lisa~~ says

    February 13, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    What a great flavor combination.

    If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out my Group ‘A’ SRC entry: Crunchy Fudgy Heart Bites

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

    Reply
  6. Rebecca@A Dusting of Sugar says

    February 13, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    How creative! I’ll definitely keep these in mind in the summer when we have an overabundance of basil.

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:28 am

      You’re going to love them!

      Reply
  7. Karen says

    February 13, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    These sound SO good and since you said they reminded you of a ‘rita, I’m going to try them 🙂 Beautiful pics, too!

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:25 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  8. Judee @ Gluten Free A-Z says

    February 13, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    I am so intrigued with the flavors in these cookies. I gotta try them. Sounds really different..Margaritas? yum

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:25 am

      I was intrigued too, but happy to be completely blown away with how delish they are!

      Reply
  9. Erin @ WholesomeRD says

    February 13, 2012 at 10:00 pm

    How refreshing! This reminds me of a basil lemon sorbet I had in Italy. I was reluctant at first but basil with citrus just work together! I’m definitely trying these! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:26 am

      I think the original recipe called for lemon AND lime. I think I’ll have to give that a try at some point too! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
  10. Julie says

    February 13, 2012 at 10:00 pm

    Your photos are beautiful! I love the idea of basil and lime together. Stopping by from SRC!

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:27 am

      Thanks Julie! Nice to meet you

      Reply
  11. Miz Helen says

    February 13, 2012 at 11:29 pm

    Hi Betsy,
    I have had my eye on these cookies all day, and I couldn’t wait to come over and talk about them. I just love a different cookie and the Basil and Lime combination would just be perfect for The Cottage. Your presentation of this cookie is awesome! It is fun cooking with you in the SRC.
    Miz Helen
    SRC #7

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:26 am

      Thank you Miz Helen! i think they may be my new favorite cookie

      Reply
    • Diane says

      September 25, 2019 at 5:51 pm

      What is the SRC?

      Reply
      • betsy says

        September 25, 2019 at 8:20 pm

        Secret recipe club. It’s described in the body of the post

        Reply
  12. Foodiewife says

    February 14, 2012 at 12:08 am

    You have basil growing out of control? In February? I’m green with envy! This is such a unique cookie, and the combo sound fantastic! So nice to find you via SRC.

    Reply
    • betsy says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:27 am

      I know right?! Just another bonus of SoCal living. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
      • Em says

        September 18, 2024 at 7:17 pm

        5 stars
        Lovely cookie. Slightly buttery, not too sweet, subtle lime and basil flavors melting together. A soft cookie with enjoyable slight crisp to outer edge. Will be keeping this in my repertoire.

        Reply
  13. Trisha says

    February 14, 2012 at 4:00 am

    Its really great to find such unique recipes that turn out to be a favorite. Great find at SRC!

    Reply
  14. Corina says

    February 14, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    I love things that sound a little different and these are really unusual but sound delicious. I love basil and lime and am intrigued about how they would taste in a cookie.

    Reply
  15. Lynne says

    February 14, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    Where did you get such beautiful basil? Wow! I love anything lime so know I would love these cookies and basil is my favorite herb next to lemon verbena. Love your blog and thanks for commenting on mine!

    Reply
  16. ButterYum says

    February 14, 2012 at 8:03 pm

    What an interesting recipe selection – really great photo! I’m pinning this recipe. If you haven’t had a chance, please stop by and visit my SRC post for Giant Chocolate Toffee Cookies

    http://butteryum.blogspot.com/2012/02/giant-chocolate-toffee-cookies.html

    🙂
    ButterYum

    Reply
  17. Vivian thiele says

    February 14, 2012 at 11:38 pm

    I have some basil in my fridge just calling out to me! I love trying out unusual cookies. They look so yummy!
    Thanks for visiting my blog

    Reply
  18. Amy says

    May 4, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    I made these cookies tonight, and they turned out wonderfully. I adapted them a bit, added a little lime juice and less basil. Seriously refreshing and a great start to a wonderful upcoming summer. Tasted almost like a mojito without the mint, very interesting.
    Much enjoyed, thank you for sharing! I will be linking my blog post with my adapted version to yours so others can check out your creations as well.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      May 23, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      I made these a couple of weeks ago after harvesting some basil from my garden. Basil is ready to harvest again so I’m making another batch. I could not stop eating them! I’m plant based so I veganized these by using vegan butter and a flax egg. Found the mixture to be a bit dry due to the flax egg, but they baked up most and soft. This time, I’ll add a little lime juice to the batter to moisten it just a bit and give it a little more lime flavor. Looking forward to eating… All of them… Again!!!

      Reply
  19. Amy says

    May 6, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    Hi there, these sound great! Wondering if I can make the ahead – does the dough freeze well or the baked cookies? Also wondering if you think they’d be good with white chocolate chips added? Thanks!

    Reply
    • betsy says

      May 7, 2015 at 8:34 am

      I’ve never tried freezing either. Please let me know if you try and how it turns out!

      Reply
  20. Pamela S says

    July 15, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    These are sooooo worth turning the oven on in the summer! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  21. Emma says

    July 7, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    Do you think these would be good with mint rather than basil?

    Reply
    • betsy says

      July 8, 2016 at 9:09 am

      I think it would probably taste good, but it would lose the essence of the cookie.

      Reply
  22. Mary Kate henson says

    July 9, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    Made these last night and they are delicious! Such a simple, easy to follow recipe. They came out puffy and soft, a real treat! I added about a tablespoon of lime juice, and a little extra flour to make up for the added liquid. I’ll be using this recipe many times over. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  23. Marilyn H says

    August 21, 2017 at 9:45 am

    I made these with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-free 1 to 1 Baking Flour. I followed the recipe exactly as written, except for the gluten-free flour substitute. They were excellent!!! Thank you so much for this recipe.

    Reply
    • betsy says

      August 21, 2017 at 10:30 am

      Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. They are a favorite in our house too

      Reply
  24. Lisa Laird says

    September 5, 2018 at 2:21 pm

    5 stars
    Love these cookies! Just harvested my basil so was looking for something unique. I found it! I’ll be taking these to a luncheon next week. Can’t wait for the reviews. In one of the pictures it looks like you are sprinkling them with salt…sugar…? Do you recommend that? Thanks so much for the recipe!

    Reply
    • betsy says

      September 6, 2018 at 8:48 am

      It was sugar. I sprinkle for a little crunch if I’m in the mood. I love the texture of these cookies so they’re great either way. Personal preference!

      Reply
  25. Emily says

    July 24, 2019 at 10:14 pm

    5 stars
    I just tried these using lime basil and they are great! I look forward to trying them with regular basil to compare as well. Thanks!

    Reply
    • betsy says

      July 30, 2019 at 2:41 pm

      awesome! They are still my all time favorite. So glad you enjoyed them

      Reply
  26. betsy says

    May 3, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    5 stars
    These cookies are everything you said they were and more. What an absolute delight! I have to say, I came across this recipe and did not think much of it at first but got a kick out of the blog name so I thought I’d give it a go! Baking isn’t ordinarily in my wheelhouse, but I’ve taken quite the liking to it whilst spending my days at home during this pandemic. Thank you for sharing this recipe… they’ve brought zest into our spring as the weather gets warmer after some rather long weeks inside. These are easily a new family favourite!
    Sincerely,
    betsy

    Reply
  27. Riss says

    June 17, 2020 at 2:43 pm

    3 stars
    These were definitely good. No regrets that I made them. But the flavor is pretty mild. If you are thinking they’ll taste like a key lime pie or something, no. They taste primarily like a sugar cookie with a little bit of basil and lime in them. And I added the zest from 1.5 limes, plus a little lime juice and extra basil from my garden to perk them up. Cookies were fluffy and had a great consistency. I just expected a little more zing based on the description.

    Reply
  28. Susy says

    July 22, 2021 at 11:22 pm

    You say to use a 2” cookie scoop. I know scoops have numbers for the size but I measured my biggest scoop and it was 2” across. Thought that was too big so divided cookies in half and cooked them. They were not as flat as the picture looked. They were very good

    Reply
  29. Rosie says

    February 22, 2023 at 2:01 am

    5 stars
    Totes delish! xoxo

    Reply
  30. Lila says

    February 22, 2023 at 2:05 am

    5 stars
    Yas, girl, they delish! best recipe EVER! SO GOOOOOD!!!!

    Reply
  31. Suzanne says

    June 2, 2023 at 9:47 pm

    This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors!

    Reply
  32. Vanessa says

    June 2, 2023 at 9:48 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?

    Reply
  33. Karen says

    July 19, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    5 stars
    Was looking for something different to offer friends for dessert after lunch. It’s July and I’m on the East coast so my basil is very bushy. These yummy cookies with a scoop of strawberry sorbetto = in my mouth!!! Thanks!!

    Reply
  34. Clementine says

    October 13, 2023 at 11:39 am

    5 stars
    Was skeptical but boy o boy are these devine! My kiddo requested them again!
    Thanks for sharing this recipe

    Reply
  35. Dolly says

    December 9, 2023 at 8:29 pm

    Can I double the ingredients to make a double batch?

    Reply
    • betsy says

      December 20, 2023 at 9:49 am

      yes!

      Reply
  36. Ella says

    March 15, 2024 at 10:04 pm

    Would this work well with dried basil? We ended up with a basket of limes and these sound delicious, but I don’t want to go out and buy something if dried would work fine

    Reply
    • betsy says

      March 29, 2024 at 12:29 pm

      I’m sure you could but I don’t know what the measurement would be. A much smaller amount

      Reply
  37. Jennifer says

    June 16, 2024 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    I used my lemon basil from the garden and they are great! Thinking about using my cinnamon basil next time!

    Reply
  38. J says

    June 19, 2024 at 5:54 pm

    These sounded so good. I made them exactly according to the recipe. They did not spread and were mealy and dry.

    Reply
4.24 from 101 votes (91 ratings without comment)

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