Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Introduction

Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the ultimate sweet and tart treat that perfectly balance the rich, buttery goodness of cookies with the zesty, tangy brightness of lemon curd. These little cups take the classic flavors of lemon bars and transform them into a bite-sized dessert that’s both fun and delicious. Imagine biting into a crisp, golden cookie cup filled with smooth lemon curd – it’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite!

I first made these for a spring brunch with friends, and they were an instant hit. The combination of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and the bright, citrusy lemon curd was irresistible. Plus, they were so easy to make ahead of time, which made hosting a breeze. What I love about Lemon Bar Cookie Cups is how portable and convenient they are – no need for forks or plates! Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for a picnic, or just enjoying them at home with a cup of tea, they’re the perfect way to add a little sweetness and sunshine to your day.

You can easily customize these by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or even a few zest strands for extra citrus flavor. These Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are a simple yet sophisticated dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re the perfect treat for spring celebrations or anytime you want something light, refreshing, and irresistibly tasty!

Perfect for:

• Afternoon teas
• Spring and summer celebrations
• Potlucks and parties
• Holiday dessert trays
• Citrus lovers

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Here’s why Lemon Bar Cookie Cups deserve a spot in your baking repertoire:

• Bright Citrus Flavor: The tartness of the lemon curd perfectly complements the buttery cookie base, creating a harmonious balance.
• Handheld Treats: These bite-sized desserts are mess-free and easy to serve, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh lemons, this recipe is both accessible and delicious.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or garnish with various toppings to suit your preferences.
• Visually Stunning: With their golden cookie base and vibrant lemon filling, these cups are as pretty as they are tasty.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookie cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Bar Cookie Cups:

For the Cookie Cups:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the bright, tangy flavor essential for this dessert.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in both the cookie base and filling, butter adds richness and balance.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness while allowing the tartness of the lemons to shine.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the structure of both the cookie cups and the lemon filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lemon Bar Cookie Cups:

Prepare the Cookie Cups:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line it with mini cupcake liners.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
5. Form the Cookie Cups: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and press each into the prepared mini muffin tin, creating a small well in the center with your thumb or a spoon.

Bake the Cookie Cups:

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Lemon Filling:

8. Whisk Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, and flour until smooth.
9. Cook the Filling: Heat the mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Cookie Cups:

10. Fill the Cups: Spoon the lemon filling into the cooled cookie cups, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the filled cookie cups for at least 45 minutes to set the filling.

Garnish and Serve:

12. Add Final Touches: Dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant presentation.

How to Serve Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange them alongside other bite-sized treats for a beautiful display.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each cup for extra creaminess.
• With Fresh Berries: Top with raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Paired with Tea: Serve with a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
• As Party Favors: Wrap them in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for guests to take home.

Additional Tips for Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Here are some tips to ensure your Lemon Bar Cookie Cups turn out perfectly:

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the cookie cups with lemon curd to prevent spillage.
• Chill for Best Results: Allow enough chilling time for the filling to set properly before serving.
• Zest the Lemons First: Zest the lemons before juicing them to avoid waste.
• Keep an Eye on the Oven: Cookie cups can overbake quickly, so check them a minute or two before the recommended time.

Recipe Variations for Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Here are 10 ways to customize your Lemon Bar Cookie Cups:

1. Lime Cookie Cups: Replace the lemon juice and zest with lime for a tropical twist.
2. Orange Cookie Cups: Use orange juice and zest for a sweeter citrus flavor.
3. Mixed Berry Filling: Add a layer of berry compote beneath the lemon filling.
4. Coconut Lemon Cups: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for added texture.
5. White Chocolate Lemon Cups: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished cups.
6. Graham Cracker Crust Cups: Swap the cookie dough for a graham cracker crust.
7. Lavender Lemon Cups: Add a pinch of dried lavender to the filling for floral notes.
8. Cream Cheese Lemon Cups: Swirl cream cheese into the filling for a tangy addition.
9. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the cookie base.
10. Mini Tart Shells: Use premade tart shells for an even quicker version.

Freezing and Storage for Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

• Freezing: These cups freeze well. Store them in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Storage: Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Here are some special tools you might find helpful for making Lemon Bar Cookie Cups:

1. Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking the cookie cups.
2. Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar quick and easy.
3. Microplane Zester: Perfect for finely zesting lemons.
4. Citrus Juicer: Speeds up the process of extracting lemon juice.
5. Saucepan: Needed for cooking the lemon curd filling.
6. Cooling Rack: Allows the cookie cups to cool evenly.
7. Spoon or Thumb Press Tool: Helps create wells in the cookie dough.
8. Sifter: For dusting powdered sugar evenly on top.
9. Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for mixing dough and filling.
10. Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and storage.

FAQ Section for Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
   Yes, store-bought lemon curd can save time and works perfectly in this recipe.
2. How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking?
   Grease the muffin tin well, or use mini cupcake liners for easy removal.
3. Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?
   Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
4. What can I use instead of lemons?
   Limes, oranges, or even grapefruits can be used for different citrus flavors.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
6. Why is my lemon curd runny?
   If the curd doesn’t thicken, it might need more cooking time or insufficient eggs were used.
7. Can I freeze these?
   Yes, freeze them in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
8. How do I know when the cookie cups are baked?
   The edges should be lightly golden, and the center set but not overbrowned.
9. What’s the best way to transport these?
   Use a container with a tight-fitting lid and pack them snugly to prevent movement.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, the recipe doubles easily to make 48 cups.

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Conclusion

Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are a delightful and versatile dessert that combines the buttery goodness of a cookie base with a vibrant, zesty lemon filling. These little treats bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion, making them perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Their fresh, tangy flavor is sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet cravings.

The best part about these cookie cups is their versatility. You can easily customize them with different citrus fillings, toppings, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra flair. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe when you want something quick and impressive. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

I’d love to see how your Lemon Bar Cookie Cups turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Let me know in the comments how you customized them, and feel free to share any tips or twists you added to make them your own. Enjoy!