Description
These Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups offer a delightful twist on classic lemon bars, featuring a buttery cookie base filled with tangy lemon curd and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect as a bite-sized, refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prepare for baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir until fully combined and a soft dough forms, ensuring no dry flour remains.
- Form cookie cups: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each greased muffin cup. Press the dough down firmly and evenly to create a base and slight sides, forming the shape of mini cookie cups.
- Bake: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove the tin from the oven while hot and use the back of a spoon to press an indent into the center of each cookie cup to hold the filling. Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the tin before filling.
- Fill with lemon curd: Once the cookie cups have cooled and set, fill each indented center with about 1 tablespoon of lemon curd, spreading it evenly within the cup.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Just before serving, dust the tops of the filled cookie cups lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch and an extra hint of sweetness.
Notes
- You can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience or make your own homemade lemon curd for a fresher flavor.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right cookie texture.
- Press the indent gently while the cookies are still warm but be careful not to break the cookie cups.
- These cookie cups are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For even more lemon flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
