Lemon bar cookie cups combine the best of two beloved treats—crisp, buttery cookies and a tangy, velvety lemon curd filling. This delightful hybrid takes the delicious, refreshing flavor of classic lemon bars and wraps it up in a bite-sized, portable cookie cup.

Not only is this dessert easy to make, but it’s also much more convenient to serve compared to traditional lemon bars. Inspired by the popular lemon thumbprint cookies, lemon bar cookie cups feature a soft, chewy cookie crust that forms a perfect nest for the zesty lemon curd. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookie cups are ideal for any occasion, thanks to their fresh, bright flavors and elegant presentation.

What Makes Lemon Bar Cookie Cups So Special?

Lemon bar cookie cups stand out for their unique fusion of textures and flavors. The base, made from a buttery, tender cookie dough, provides the perfect contrast to the tart, citrusy lemon curd that fills the center. This balance between sweetness and tang makes these cookie cups irresistibly delicious. Unlike traditional lemon bars that can be difficult to cut and serve, these cookie cups are individually portioned, making them a more practical and mess-free choice. Additionally, their small size allows for easy customization, making them a versatile treat for a variety of occasions. Whether served as an elegant after-dinner dessert or a fun addition to a party spread, lemon bar cookie cups always impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

To create these delectable lemon bar cookie cups, you’ll need a few simple ingredients for both the cookie crust and the lemon curd filling.

Cookie Ingredients

2 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter softened
1¼ cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

For the cookie base, a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour helps create a dough that is both sturdy and tender. The use of salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar ensures the perfect rise and texture. The richness of the dough comes from butter and sugar, with the addition of confectioners’ sugar lending a smooth sweetness. Canola oil helps create a slightly lighter, tender texture, while an egg and a touch of lemon extract bring a subtle citrus flavor to the base. Vanilla extract adds depth to the overall taste of the cookie.

Lemon Curd Ingredients

6 Tablespoons butter softened
1 cup sugar
4 eggs divided
⅔ cup lemon juice

The lemon curd filling requires unsalted butter for a smooth, creamy texture and sugar to balance the tartness of the lemon. Fresh eggs and egg yolks contribute to the custardy consistency, while fresh lemon juice and zest are the key ingredients that give the curd its signature tangy flavor. The fresh lemon juice brightens the curd, while the zest adds an aromatic citrus punch.

Optional Ingredients

1 lemon zest
2 Tablespoons powdered sugar for garnish

To garnish your lemon bar cookie cups, consider dusting them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. This simple addition elevates the presentation and provides a subtle sweetness that complements the tart lemon curd.

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:

Muffin Tin (Mini)
Mixing Bowl (Small)
Mixing Bowl (Large)
Mixing Bowl

How to Make Lemon Bar Cookie Cups: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare Lemon Curd

To begin, beat the butter and sugar together until fully combined. This mixture forms the base of the curd. Next, add the eggs and egg yolks, continuing to beat until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to the consistency of a custard. Once the curd has reached the desired thickness, stir in the lemon zest for extra flavor. Allow the curd to cool, and then refrigerate it to set.

Make Cookie Cups

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by combining the dry ingredients, including flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar, in one bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, sugars, and oil. Once well combined, add the wet ingredients—egg, lemon extract, and vanilla extract—and mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Next, drop spoonfuls of the dough into a mini muffin tin. If desired, you can line the tin with mini cupcake liners for easy removal later. Bake the dough for about 8 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Once baked, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your finger or the back of a spoon. Fill each cup with the prepared lemon curd and return the tin to the oven for an additional 4 minutes. The curd should be set, and the cookie cups will be lightly browned. Let them cool completely before serving, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Creative Variations of Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

While the classic lemon bar cookie cup is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Adding Fruit: Blueberries, Raspberries, and More

Enhance the flavor of your lemon bar cookie cups by incorporating fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can either mix the fruit into the lemon curd or place a few berries directly into the cookie cups before adding the curd for added texture and flavor.

Infusing Different Flavors into the Cookie Base

If you’re looking to experiment, try infusing the cookie base with additional flavors such as almond, coconut, or even ginger. These flavors will complement the tangy lemon curd and create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Making It Gluten-Free: A Simple Swap

For a gluten-free version of lemon bar cookie cups, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten and use certified gluten-free options when necessary.

Helpful Tips

Chilling the Dough

One essential tip to ensure your lemon bar cookie cups turn out perfectly is to chill the cookie dough before baking. Chilling the dough helps prevent it from spreading too much during baking, ensuring the cookies maintain their cup shape.

Using a Citrus Juicer

For the freshest lemon flavor, use a citrus juicer to extract the maximum amount of juice from your lemons. This will give your lemon curd a more vibrant and aromatic taste.

Cooking the Curd Longer

If the lemon curd turns out too runny, don’t hesitate to cook it a little longer. Simmering the curd on low heat will allow it to thicken to the right consistency. Stir constantly to avoid any curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon bar cookie cups are a versatile dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. For a sophisticated touch, serve them with a cup of tea or coffee. Their bright, refreshing flavors make them a great complement to both hot and iced beverages.

You can also serve the cookie cups with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. For an elegant dessert platter, arrange the cookie cups alongside fresh berries and a sprig of mint for added color and flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can lime be used instead of lemon?

Yes, you can substitute lime for lemon in this recipe to create a lime bar cookie cup. The lime will provide a tangy and slightly different citrus flavor, offering a refreshing twist on the classic lemon version.

What to do if the lemon curd is too runny?

If your lemon curd is too runny, simply continue cooking it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to the desired consistency. Be patient—curd thickening can take a few minutes.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can make lemon bar cookie cups gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients for all components of the recipe.

Conclusion

Lemon bar cookie cups are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of cookies with the zesty, refreshing taste of lemon curd. Easy to make, elegant in presentation, and adaptable to different tastes, these cookie cups are sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and tangy, lemon bar cookie cups are the perfect treat to brighten up any gathering. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus in every bite!

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