Trader Joe’s Key Lime Tea Cookies are back just in time for warmer weather. These powdered sugar-dusted cookies come in a cheerful green box and promise a balance of tart citrus and sweet, buttery crunch. But do they live up to the key lime hype?
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Review
There are some seasonal products at Trader Joe’s that come and go quietly, and others that spark instant nostalgia. For me, these Key Lime Tea Cookies fall somewhere in the middle. They’re not flashy, but they’re surprisingly addictive once you’ve had your first handful.
Out of the box, they look like powdered sugar-covered snowballs, similar in size and appearance to wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes. The powdered sugar is generous, so be warned: these are not a tidy snack. Expect to leave a light dusting behind wherever you eat them.
Texture-wise, they’re tender and crumbly with a shortbread-like bite. They melt in your mouth, and while they’re not overly moist, they’re not dry either. They have that satisfying snap when you bite in, but they’re soft enough to feel like a proper tea cookie.
Flavor is where these shine. The key lime flavor is bright and clean, without veering into fake or overly tart. It plays well with the powdered sugar coating, which adds just enough sweetness to balance the citrus. There’s a buttery base that rounds everything out—nothing too rich, just enough to keep things from tasting one-dimensional.
They’re perfect for a small afternoon treat, a tea party spread, or a light cookie to pair with coffee or sparkling water. I found them easy to snack on but not so sweet that they overwhelmed my palate.
Would I stockpile these? Probably not. But I would definitely pick up a box (or two) while they’re in season.
Ingredients
- Wheat flour
- Powdered sugar
- Palm oil
- Butter
- Cornstarch
- Natural flavor (including key lime)
- Salt
- Baking powder
Contains: wheat, milk
May contain: soy, egg, tree nuts
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
How to Enjoy
- Serve alongside hot or iced tea
- Pair with espresso, cold brew, or sparkling lemonade
- Crumble over a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream
- Use as a garnish for key lime pie or pudding
- Enjoy as-is with a breezy summer read
FAQs about Trader Joe's Key Lime Tea Cookies
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes, they typically appear in spring or summer and may not be available year-round.
They’re citrusy and bright, but not sour—more of a mellow lime flavor with sweetness.
They’re tender and slightly crumbly, similar to a shortbread cookie.
They contain natural flavoring, which includes key lime, but no fresh lime juice.
These are seasonally available at Trader Joe's but can also be purchased on Amazon.com through third-party sellers.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Key Lime Tea Cookies aren’t here to reinvent the cookie aisle—but they deliver exactly what they promise: a crumbly, buttery, citrusy treat with just the right amount of sweetness. If you love tea cookies or want something light and seasonal, this is a great find.
They’re not bold or dramatic, but they’re balanced, snackable, and a lovely companion to an afternoon cup of something cold or hot. A little sweet, a little zesty, and just indulgent enough.
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Trader Joe's Key Lime Tea Cookies
Product Name: Trader Joe's Key Lime Tea Cookies
Product Description: Trader Joe's Key Lime Tea Cookies are a seasonal cookie offering.
Price: $3.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Key Lime Tea Cookies are a once a year treat.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Bright citrus flavor: Real key lime flavor without being too tart
- Perfect texture: Crumbly, buttery, and melts in your mouth
- Snackable size: Great for portion control or entertaining
- Seasonal treat: Fun to look forward to each year
- Versatile: Easy to pair with drinks or desserts
Cons
- Powdered sugar mess: Not the cleanest snack
- Limited availability: Only around seasonally
- Mild flavor: May be too subtle for some citrus lovers
- No resealable packaging: You’ll want to store leftovers in a separate container
Dag says
Oh my gosh I love these!!!! I know that I have previously commented that I'm not much of a cookie person but that said I love anything Key Lime. Last year I did something really cool-I made a filling for them with a little marshmallow fluff, light cream chz, lemon & lime zest and a packet of all natural True Lime crystallized lime juice. Awesome tea cookie sandwichs!
becomebetty says
Yum! Those sound like amazing cookie sandwiches. Thanks for sharing!
Trina and Tina says
Y!U!M!
becomebetty says
My husband and I agree. I can't believe we did not try this sooner! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Dag says
Yup- keep them in the fridge for at the most a couple of days. A sweet tart relatively not bad for you two bite treat. I used very little marshmallow fluff but I've also made them with lt cream cheese and the other ingredients I mentioned..
Beth says
These are very good, even though citrus sweets aren't my favorite.
On another subject, have you reviewed TJ's Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette? I haven't found it on your site. I'm addicted to it... have a salad for lunch everyday with the vinaigrette and a few peanuts sprinkled on top. There are probably other ways to use it but I haven't so far.
Love your blog! Thank you!
becomebetty says
Hey Beth! I bought it but dont have a review up. I'll see if I can move the review up. Thanks as always for stopping by! Thanks also for the kind words.
Dag says
I can't believe I've never seen or heard of this vinaigrette. It seems as though it's been around for a long time. I've been a loyal Trader Joe's Shopper for at least 15 years. I can see I've really been missing out on something. It sounds wonderful and I can't wait to try it. And I can't wait for BB to review it.
Margaret Michini says
These little treats an amazing accompaniment to my afternoon coffee . sad they are a seasonal item....short season!!!
becomebetty says
Hey Margaret! I know, right?! Seriously, I would love to enjoy these all day long. They are so very good. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!
Diane Biser says
Probably the best “store bought” cookie in the world! I buy them for my family, but, also, for an elderly friend who has no Trader Joe’s near her.
We should lobby Trader Joe’s to make these little gems a year round product!
becomebetty says
I totally agree Diane! I adore these cookies too and am always sad when the season is done at the end of summer. Thanks for stopping by!