Name: Lemon Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.75 cups flour; 1 cup butter, softened; 1.25 cups sugar; 4 eggs, divided; 6 tablespoons butter, softened; 0.67 cup lemon juice; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 lemon zest; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Lemon bar cookie cups convert the classic dessert into a delightful handheld treat that bursts with tangy brightness.

Crisp, buttery cookie shells cradle a silky, zesty filling that dances between sweet and tart.

Compact and elegant, these miniature desserts offer a playful twist on traditional lemon bars.

The delicate balance of textures creates a sensory experience that delights both eye and palate.

Homemade pastry cups provide a perfect foundation for the luscious, sunshine-yellow center that melts in you mouth.

Light, refreshing, and utterly irresistible, these cookie cups elevate a beloved dessert into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with a reimagined classic that promises to become your new favorite.

Burst with Tangy Sunshine: Lemon bar cookie cups deliver a zesty explosion of bright citrus flavor that dances on your taste buds, creating a perfect balance between sweet cookie base and tart lemon filling.
Texture Carnival: Experience a delightful contrast of crisp cookie edges, soft buttery centers, and silky smooth lemon curd that melts gracefully in your mouth, offering a multi-dimensional sensory experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Mini Dessert: These adorable bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, potlucks, and gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a sophisticated dessert without messy cutting or complicated serving, making them a convenient and elegant option for any occasion.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple that provides structure and texture to the cookie cups.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps create a tender cookie base.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning and texture.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to enhance the overall taste.

Lemon Filling Ingredients:

Butter: Creates a smooth, rich base for the lemon curd.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling.
Whole Eggs, Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the lemon curd.
Lemon Juice: Gives the signature tangy citrus flavor to the filling.
Lemon Zest: Adds bright, intense lemon aroma and flavor.

Finishing Ingredient:

Powdered Sugar: Light dusting provides a sweet, decorative touch to the completed dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prep the Baking Tin

Generously spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine:

Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4: Create Cookie Base Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, beating until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until a consistent dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Cups

Roll 1″ dough balls and place them into each muffin tin cavity. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden.

Step 7: Create Cookie Cups

Immediately after removing from oven, gently press down the center of each cookie to form cup shapes. Allow to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Lemon Filling

In a separate bowl, cream together:

Butter
Sugar

Add 2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks, then mix in fresh lemon juice.

Step 9: Cook Lemon Filling

Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until the filling thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 10: Fill and Garnish Cookie Cups

Spoon lemon curd into cooled cookie cups. Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest.

Step 11: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate until filling sets. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar.

Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and lemon juice to ensure consistent texture and flavor in your cookie cups.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before forming balls to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect cup shape.
Create Perfect Cups: Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to gently press down the center of each baked cookie while still warm for uniform indentations.
Watch Lemon Curd Carefully: Continuously whisk the filling to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency during cooking.
Cooling is Key: Allow cookie cups to cool completely before filling to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain a crisp texture.

Store: Place lemon bar cookie cups in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freeze: Carefully wrap individual cookie cups in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. They'll keep well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheat: For best results, enjoy these treats chilled or at room temperature. If desired, briefly warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to prevent the lemon curd from becoming runny or the cookie cups from losing their delicate texture.

Pair with Zesty Tea: Brew a light, citrusy Earl Grey or jasmine green tea to complement the lemon bar cookie cups' bright flavor profile.
Match with Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet to enhance the dessert's tangy sweetness.
Sip Sparkling Refreshment: Pour a chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling moscato to create a delightful contrast with the rich, buttery cookie base and tart lemon filling.
Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a small side of fresh raspberries or blueberries to introduce a burst of fresh fruitiness that harmonizes with the lemon's bright notes.

Zesty Orange Surprise: Swap lemon juice with fresh orange juice and add orange zest for a citrusy alternative that brightens the cookie cups with a tangy twist.
Lavender Honey Dream: Infuse the filling with dried lavender and replace lemon juice with honey, creating a delicate floral flavor that complements the buttery cookie base.
Raspberry Cream Delight: Replace lemon curd with homemade raspberry puree and cream cheese filling, garnishing with fresh raspberries for a fruity and creamy variation that adds vibrant color and rich texture.
Chocolate Caramel Indulgence: Fill cookie cups with smooth chocolate ganache and drizzle with salted caramel sauce, transforming the light lemon treat into a decadent chocolate lover's dream.

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.