Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups: A Zesty Delight!

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly buttery, these Lemon Bar Cookie Cups combine a soft sugar cookie base with a luscious lemon curd filling. Perfect for spring gatherings, tea parties, or just a sunny afternoon treat, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Cookie Cups

✅ Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✅ Beautiful presentation—great for parties & gifts
✅ No fancy equipment needed

Ingredients for Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

For the Cookie Base:

• 2¾ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Curd Filling:

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks
• ⅔ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor!)

For the Topping:

• Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Whisk dry ingredients—In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. Cream butter & sugar—In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients—Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine—Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

2. Bake the Cookie Cups

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Shape dough—Roll into 1-inch balls and place in a mini muffin tin.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
4. Form cups—Immediately press the center of each cookie with a small spoon or measuring spoon to create a well. Let cool.

3. Make the Lemon Curd Filling

1. Cream butter & sugar—In a saucepan, mix butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Whisk in eggs & lemon juice—Add eggs, yolks, and lemon juice, stirring constantly.
3. Cook over medium heat—Keep stirring until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Strain (optional)—For extra smooth curd, strain through a fine-mesh sieve.

4. Assemble & Chill

1. Fill cookie cups—Spoon or pipe lemon curd into each cookie cup.
2. Chill for 1 hour to set.
3. Garnish—Top with lemon zest and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Cookie Cups

🍋 Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor.
🍋 Don’t overbake cookies—they should be soft when forming the cups.
🍋 For a shortcut, use store-bought lemon curd (but homemade tastes better!).
🍋 Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cookie cups and store at room temp, then fill with curd before serving.

Can I freeze them?

The cookie cups freeze well (unfilled), but the curd is best fresh.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Absolutely! Swap lemon juice for lime juice and zest for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat—buttery, zesty, and utterly addictive! Whether for a baby shower, brunch, or just because, they’re guaranteed to brighten any day.

Love citrus desserts? Try our No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake next!

Nutritional Info (Per Cookie Cup):

Calories: 120 | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 16g | Protein: 1g

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 24

Tag us @LivelyDish if you make these! 🍋💛