5 from 1 vote

Mini Key Lime Cookie Cups Recipe

By: Drizzle

Servings: 18

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

These delightful mini treats are incredibly easy to make and offer a burst of tangy Key Lime flavor within a soft chocolate chip cookie cup. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they are also Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at just 3 SmartPoints per cookie cup, or 3 PointsPlus for two cookie cups. Enjoy this delicious, lighter dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste!

Ingredients for Key Lime Cookie Cups 

• ▢ 2 Tbsp reduced-fat margarine
• ▢ 1 tsp vegetable oil
• ▢ ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ▢ 2 Tbsp egg whites
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ▢ ½ tsp baking soda
• ▢ ¾ cup all-purpose white flour
• ▢ 2 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
• ▢ Additional regular-sized chocolate chips for topping (optional, for garnish)
• ▢ 2 tsp lime jello powder
• ▢ 2 Tbsp key lime yogurt (fat-free recommended for lighter option)
• ▢ 1/2 cup fat-free cool whip (thawed)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Mini Key Lime Cookie Cups 

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, thoroughly spray an 18-count mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring each cup is well-coated. Set the prepared pan aside. This prevents sticking and makes removal much easier, resulting in perfectly formed cookie cups.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the reduced-fat margarine, vegetable oil, and brown sugar. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-creamed. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and airy cookie texture. Next, add the egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing well until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
• Gradually stir in the all-purpose white flour and baking soda into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix the dough, as excessive mixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Spoon the prepared cookie dough evenly into each of the 18 mini muffin cups. You can use a small cookie scoop or two teaspoons to ensure consistent sizing and an even bake for all your mini cookie cups. Bake them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set.
• Immediately upon removing the muffin pan from the oven, while the cookies are still warm and pliable, use a ½ tablespoon measuring spoon (or a similar rounded tool like the back of a small tart tamper) to gently but firmly press down into the center of each baked cookie. This crucial step creates the perfect “cup” indentation for your key lime filling. Allow the cookies to cool completely in the muffin pan for about 10 minutes to help them set their shape. Afterward, carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 15-20 minutes, ensuring they are fully cool before proceeding to the next step.
• While the cookie cups are cooling, prepare the vibrant and zesty Key Lime filling. In a separate medium bowl, combine the lime jello powder, key lime yogurt, and thawed fat-free cool whip. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is thoroughly blended, smooth, and delightfully fluffy. For a neat and professional presentation, transfer the filling into a zip-top bag, snip a small corner off, and pipe it meticulously into each cookie cup. Alternatively, if you prefer a simpler approach, a small spoon works just as well for scooping the filling into the cups. Garnish each filled cookie cup with an additional regular-sized chocolate chip for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Your delicious Mini Key Lime Cookie Cups are now ready to be enjoyed! Remember, for those tracking, one cookie is 3 SmartPoints, or you can enjoy two cookies for 3 PointsPlus. For optimal taste and texture, these delightful treats should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert, Baking

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These delightful treats are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making them ideal for any occasion. The combination of chewy chocolate chip cookies and the creamy, tangy key lime filling is simply irresistible. They are especially perfect for spring and summer gatherings, adding a refreshing note to your dessert table and captivating guests with their vibrant appeal.

Baking Tips for Perfect Mini Cookie Cups

• Grease Your Pan Generously: Even if your mini muffin pan is labeled as non-stick, a thorough spray of cooking oil ensures that your cookie cups will pop out easily without any breakage. This makes for a perfect presentation every time.
• Don’t Overfill: When adding the cookie dough to the muffin cups, aim to fill them about two-thirds full. This allows sufficient room for the dough to rise slightly during baking and then for you to press them down into the ideal cup shape. Overfilling can make them overflow and lose their form.
• Press While Warm: The crucial step for forming perfect cups is to press the centers immediately after they come out of the oven. At this stage, the cookies are still warm and pliable. If you wait too long, they will firm up, and attempting to indent them might cause them to crack, ruining their perfect shape.
• Cool Completely: It’s absolutely essential that your cookie cups are entirely cool before you add the key lime filling. If they are even slightly warm, the cool whip filling will melt, losing its fluffy texture and possibly making your cookie cups soggy. Patience is key here!
• Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, using fresh, good quality ingredients, such as a high-quality vanilla extract and fresh fat-free cool whip, can significantly enhance the overall flavor and texture of your mini key lime cookie cups.

Creative Variations to Explore

While the classic Mini Key Lime Cookie Cup is an undeniable winner, the versatility of this recipe invites you to get creative and experiment with different flavor profiles and toppings:

• Lemon Zest Twist: For those who love a different citrus kick, you can easily substitute the lime jello powder and key lime yogurt with lemon jello powder and lemon-flavored yogurt to create a bright and sunny lemon cookie cup.
• Berry Bliss: Elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor by placing a small, fresh raspberry or blueberry on top of the key lime filling alongside the chocolate chip garnish. The tartness of the berries complements the key lime beautifully.
• Coconut Crunch: Introduce a delightful tropical twist by gently folding a tiny bit of toasted coconut flakes into your cool whip filling. Alternatively, simply sprinkle them on top for an added crunch and flavor dimension.
• Different Cookie Base: Feel free to experiment with the cookie base. Instead of the chocolate chip cookie, consider a plain sugar cookie base for a simpler flavor, or even a crushed graham cracker crust pressed into the muffin tin for a more traditional key lime pie-like experience.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of elegance and decadence, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the finished, chilled cookie cups can add a beautiful contrasting flavor and professional finish.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Mini Key Lime Cookie Cups are undeniably at their best when served chilled. Arrange them artfully on a platter for an appealing display that’s sure to catch the eye at parties, or keep them in the fridge for a delightful individual treat whenever a craving strikes. For maximum convenience, the baked cookie cups (without the filling) can be prepared ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or freeze them for up to a month. However, the delicate key lime filling should ideally be prepared and added just a few hours before serving, or at most, the day before your event, to ensure it maintains its fresh, fluffy texture and vibrant appearance. Always store the finished, filled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and delicious.

Nutritional Information: Per individual cookie cup, you’re looking at approximately 73 Calories, 1.6g Fat (with 0.7g Saturated Fat), 11.4g Carbohydrates (including 0.2g Fiber and 8g Sugars), and 1.2g Protein. These figures highlight how these mini desserts can fit seamlessly into a balanced eating plan, making them a smart choice, especially for those who are mindful of their calorie and point intake. The strategic use of ingredients like reduced-fat margarine, egg whites, and fat-free cool whip helps keep the nutritional values low without compromising on the delightful taste or the satisfying dessert experience. For Weight Watchers members, this makes it an excellent and guilt-free option when you crave something sweet and tangy.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a lighter yet incredibly satisfying dessert option, or simply craving a sweet and tangy treat for yourself, these Mini Key Lime Cookie Cups are the perfect solution. They expertly combine ease of preparation with an explosion of refreshing flavor, all while being mindful of nutritional values, making them a truly guilt-free indulgence. So go ahead, whip up a batch (or two!) and enjoy these charming little cups of joy!