Description
These Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, featuring a buttery cookie base filled with tangy, sweet lemon curd. They are perfect for parties, brunches, or a refreshing dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or use paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Press about a tablespoon of dough into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form a cup shape.
- Bake cookie cups for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and 1 cup sugar until combined. Add lemon juice, zest, and 2 tablespoons flour; whisk until smooth.
- Pour lemon filling into cooled cookie cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the cookie dough to avoid a dense texture.
- Cool the cookie cups slightly before adding the lemon filling to prevent overflow.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze individually wrapped cups for up to 3 months.
- Vegan option: use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: lemon bar cookie cups, lemon desserts, mini lemon bars, citrus treats, summer dessert