Description
Delight in the perfect blend of sweet and tart with Lemon Bar Cookie Cups. Featuring a buttery sugar cookie base filled with zesty homemade lemon curd, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, showers, or any special occasion. Easy to make and store, they’re a crowd-pleasing citrus indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cups:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Curd Filling:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the Topping:
- Lemon zest (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Cups:
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Shape and Bake: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them in the prepared tin. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Indent Centers: Immediately after baking, press the center of each cookie to form a cup. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Curd:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in whole eggs and egg yolks until combined.
- Add Lemon Juice: Mix in lemon juice; the mixture may look lumpy.
- Cook the Curd: Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Cool slightly.
Assemble the Cookie Cups:
- Fill Cups: Spoon 1 teaspoon of lemon curd into each cooled cookie cup.
- Garnish and Chill: Top with lemon zest and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Dust and Serve: Remove from the tin and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For an extra citrus punch, add a touch of lemon extract to the cookie dough.
- Adjust sweetness in the curd by reducing or increasing sugar slightly to taste.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
