Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
These Lemon Bar Cookie Cups combine the best of two desserts: the buttery goodness of a cookie cup and the bright, tangy flavor of lemon bars. With a sweet-tart lemon filling nestled in a sugar cookie crust, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion and are easy to make, yet so impressive!
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Muffin Tin: Perfect for shaping the cookie cups.
- Mixing Bowls: For making the cookie dough and lemon filling.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Ensures smooth cookie dough and filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.
Ingredient Overview
- Sugar Cookie Dough: Acts as a buttery, chewy base for the filling.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds a bright, fresh lemon flavor to the filling.
- Eggs: Provides structure and creaminess to the lemon filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives a light, airy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin. - Make Cookie Cups
Use pre-made sugar cookie dough or homemade dough. Roll into 1-inch balls and press each ball into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing gently to form a cup shape. - Bake Cookie Cups
Bake the cookie cups for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and use a spoon to gently press down the centers to reform the cup shape. Let cool slightly. - Prepare Lemon Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest until smooth. - Fill Cookie Cups and Bake
Spoon the lemon filling into each cookie cup, filling about ¾ full. Bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the filling is set. - Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookie cups to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overfill: Fill only ¾ full to avoid overflow during baking.
- Extra Tartness: Add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate a day in advance for best flavor.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair with tea, coffee, or a light fruit salad for a refreshing treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these with other citrus flavors?
A: Absolutely! Try using lime, orange, or grapefruit juice and zest.
Q: How do I store these?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a small sprig of mint for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 package (or homemade) sugar cookie dough
- For the Lemon Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cookie Cups: Roll dough into balls, press into mini muffin tin, bake for 8-10 minutes. Press centers gently.
- Make Lemon Filling: Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Fill and Bake: Add filling to cups, bake another 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Serve and enjoy!
Summary
These Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the perfect sweet-tart treat for any gathering, offering the taste of lemon bars in a portable, bite-sized form.
Notes
Keep refrigerated if not serving immediately, and use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Lemon Bar Cookie Cups
Equipment
- Muffin Tin: Perfect for shaping the cookie cups.
- Mixing Bowls: For making the cookie dough and lemon filling.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Ensures smooth cookie dough and filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 package or homemade sugar cookie dough
- For the Lemon Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cookie Cups: Roll dough into balls, press into mini muffin tin, bake for 8-10 minutes. Press centers gently.
- Make Lemon Filling: Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
- Fill and Bake: Add filling to cups, bake another 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Serve and enjoy!