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Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

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  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes (for cookie cups) 8–10 minutes (for lemon curd filling)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 24 cookie cups 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Party Treats
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the perfect balance of buttery cookie cups and tangy lemon curd, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties or a refreshing afternoon snack.


Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Cookie Cups
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    For the Lemon Curd Filling

    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs plus 2 egg yolks
    • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 34 lemons)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

    For Garnish

    • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  • Make the Cookie Cups
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper cups. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
    Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and press them into the mini muffin tin, forming a cup shape. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Use the back of a spoon to gently reshape the cups while warm, if needed. Let them cool completely in the tin before removing.
  • Prepare the Lemon Curd Filling
    In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8–10 minutes.
    Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and butter, one piece at a time, until smooth.
    Transfer the lemon curd to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Assemble the Cookie Cups
    Once the cookie cups are cool, spoon or pipe the lemon curd into each cup. Dust the tops with powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

  • If you’d like to make these ahead of time, the lemon curd can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute the lemon juice with lime juice for a fun twist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg