Zesty Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Soft, buttery cookies cradle a tangy lemon meringue cookie cups recipe that dances between sweet and zesty flavors.

These delightful miniature treats promise a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Delicate cookie shells provide the perfect vessel for the bright, citrusy filling.

Each cup balances a crisp base with silky, cloud-like meringue that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The contrast of textures creates a playful dessert experience that feels both elegant and comforting.

Rich butter cookies blend seamlessly with the sharp lemon curd, offering a sophisticated twist on classic desserts.

You’ll fall in love with these miniature masterpieces that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whip up a batch and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary bliss.

Tips to Enhance Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

• Mix up the flavors by swapping lemon curd with other fruit preserves like raspberry or passion fruit for a tangy twist.
• Prepare cookie bases and lemon curd a day in advance to streamline your baking process and reduce day-of stress.
• Ensure egg whites are room temperature and free from any yolk traces to achieve those gorgeous, billowy peaks every single time.
• Experiment with adding crushed pistachios or toasted almonds to the cookie base for an unexpected crunch and nutty undertone.
• Store assembled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but add meringue topping just before serving to maintain its fluffy texture.

Ideas for Serving Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

• Brunch Dessert Delight: Serve these lemon meringue cookie cups as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch, pairing beautifully with mimosas or fresh coffee.
• Tea Party Elegance: Arrange these delicate treats on a tiered serving platter for an afternoon tea, creating a sophisticated and eye-catching dessert display.
• Summer Gathering Showstopper: Perfect for outdoor parties, these bite-sized treats offer a refreshing citrus flavor that will impress guests and complement light summer meals.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package these cookies in clear gift boxes with a ribbon, making them an impressive homemade gift for friends, teachers, or special occasions.

How to Store Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Correctly

• Fresh Batch Strategy: Prepare cookie cups and lemon curd a day ahead to streamline your dessert preparation. Refrigerate components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Smart Chilling Techniques: Store assembled cookie cups in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent meringue from sticking or becoming soggy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Lemon curd can be prepared and stored in sealed glass containers for 5-7 days before using. This allows for flexible baking schedules and quick dessert assembly when needed.
• Freezing Friendly Tips: Unassembled cookie bases can be frozen for 1 month in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before filling with lemon curd and topping with meringue for maximum freshness and taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 182 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the delicate cookie cup, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden-brown edges, opt for fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates tender texture, use room temperature for easy blending.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, choose pure extract for authentic taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, ensure it's fresh for maximum lift.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Delivers bright, tangy citrus flavor, select firm, vibrant lemons with smooth skin.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Creates silky, creamy texture and provides structure, use fresh, high-quality eggs.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances tartness and adds sweetness, fine sugar dissolves more smoothly.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches curd and provides luxurious mouthfeel, use high-quality butter.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, airy texture, use room temperature whites for better volume.
• Granulated Sugar: Stabilizes and sweetens meringue, use superfine sugar for smoother result.
• Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize egg whites and create stiff peaks, small amount makes significant difference.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth to meringue, pure extract provides best flavor.

Tools to Assemble Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Cookie Scoop: Perfect for creating uniform cookie bases with consistent sizes.
• 12-Cup or 24-Cup Muffin Pan: Crucial for shaping and baking cookie cups.
• Double Boiler: Helps create smooth lemon curd without burning.
• Stand Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Whips meringue to light, fluffy perfection.
• Piping Bag: Creates beautiful, professional-looking meringue topping.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients and create smooth mixtures.
• Kitchen Torch (Optional): Gives meringue a golden, caramelized finish.
• Glass Jar: Great for storing and cooling lemon curd.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevent sogginess.

How to Make Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Easily

• Cookie Foundation

Soft buttery dough creates the delicate base for these dreamy treats. Blend ingredients until smooth, creating a light and airy mixture that will form perfect little cups.

• Lemon Magic

Tangy lemon curd transforms these cookies into a zesty sensation. Slowly cook the bright citrus filling, stirring constantly to develop rich, velvety texture that bursts with sunshine flavor.

• Fluffy Cloud Topping

Whip egg whites into a cloud-like meringue that crowns each cookie with elegant peaks. The glossy topping adds a luxurious finish that makes these treats irresistibly beautiful.

• Sweet Assembly

Layer the silky lemon curd into each delicate cookie cup. Crown with billowy meringue, creating a stunning dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes. For extra drama, use a kitchen torch to gently caramelize the meringue top, adding a golden kissed finish.

• Serving Suggestion

Chill these delectable bites before serving to enhance their incredible texture. Perfect for afternoon tea, elegant gatherings, or a special sweet moment that celebrates pure culinary joy.

Tangy Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delicate lemon meringue cookie cups blend tangy citrus with sweet, pillowy meringue in a delightful miniature dessert. Crisp cookie bases cradle silky lemon curd, topped with torched meringue peaks that melt in your mouth.

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Ingredients

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• 12 tbsps (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• ¾ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter
• 4 egg whites
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a muffin pan to prevent sticking.
2. Create Cookie Base: Cream butter and sugar until smooth, then blend in egg and vanilla extract until uniformly mixed. Fold in flour and baking powder, creating a soft dough. Chill briefly if too warm.
3. Form Cookie Cups: Distribute dough evenly into muffin cups, pressing gently to create a center indentation. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden, then cool completely in the pan.
4. Craft Lemon Curd: In a double boiler, whisk citrus juice, zest, eggs, egg yolk, and sugar. Cook over gentle heat until the mixture transforms into a thick, silky custard. Remove from heat, incorporate butter, and refrigerate to set.
5. Construct Meringue: Combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar over a double boiler, whisking until sugar dissolves. Transfer to a stand mixer and whip on high speed until peaks become stiff and glossy. Enhance with vanilla extract.
6. Assemble and Finish: Pipe lemon curd generously into cooled cookie bases. Top with meticulously piped meringue, creating elegant swirls. Optionally, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the meringue surface and dust with powdered sugar for an exquisite presentation.

Notes

• Chill Dough Wisely: Refrigerate cookie dough for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft, ensuring easier handling and preventing spread during baking.
• Master Lemon Curd Technique: Constant whisking prevents egg scrambling and guarantees a silky, smooth texture; remove from heat immediately when thickened.
• Meringue Perfection Secrets: Ensure absolutely no yolk in egg whites, use room temperature eggs, and add sugar gradually for maximum volume and stability.
• Torch with Caution: When caramelizing meringue, move kitchen torch constantly to avoid burning, keeping flame about 2 inches from surface for even golden coloration.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 182
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg