Description

These Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, combining the bright zest of lemon curd with the buttery, soft texture of cookie cups. This bite-sized version of a classic lemon bar makes for an impressive and easy-to-serve dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a citrusy treat, these cookie cups are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

2¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter (softened)
1¼ cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Curd Filling:

6 tablespoons butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
2 whole eggs and 2 yolks
⅔ cup lemon juice

For the Topping:

Lemon zest from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough: Start by mixing flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Cream the butter with sugar until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients to form dough.
Bake the Cookie Cups: Shape dough into balls, place in a mini muffin tin, and bake until golden. Immediately press the center to form cups and allow to cool.
Make the Lemon Curd: Cream butter and sugar, whisk in eggs and lemon juice. Cook while stirring until thickened.
Assemble: Fill each cookie cup with lemon curd, chill, then top with lemon zest and powdered sugar.

Notes

Balance of Sweetness and Tartness: Taste your lemon curd as you go to adjust the sweetness. You can add extra sugar or honey if you find the filling too tart.
Cookie Dough Consistency: If the dough becomes too sticky, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before pressing it into the muffin tin. If it’s too crumbly, add a splash of milk or water to bring it together.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookie cups while baking. The edges should be golden but not too dark. Over-baking can lead to dry or too-crispy cups.
Filling the Cups: To prevent soggy cookie cups, wait until the cookie cups have cooled completely before adding the lemon curd. Ideally, add the filling just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
Make-Ahead Option: You can make the cookie cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Add the lemon filling on the day of serving to maintain the best texture.
Customizations: Add-ins like poppy seeds or white chocolate chips can give the cookie cups a unique twist. You can also swap lemon for lime or other citrus fruits for different flavor variations.