Description
Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on classic lemon bars, combining a soft cookie base with a tangy lemon filling baked in individual muffin cups. Perfectly portioned and beautifully presented, these vibrant citrus cookie cups offer a refreshing and sweet treat ideal for dessert or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Lemon Filling
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cookie Base: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in one egg and the vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the flour and salt until you have a uniform dough.
- Form the Cookie Cups: Press about one tablespoon of the prepared dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, spreading evenly to create a solid cookie base layer.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: While the cookie bases bake, whisk together the remaining egg, 1/4 cup sugar, remaining 1/2 cup flour, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Add Lemon Filling: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and carefully pour the lemon mixture over each partially baked cookie base, filling each cup nearly to the top.
- Bake Until Set: Return the tins to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes, or until the lemon filling is firm and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lemon bar cookie cups to cool completely in the tin to room temperature. Before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice to maximize the bright, fresh citrus flavor.
- Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Alternatively, refrigerate to keep fresh for up to one week.
- For easier removal, you can line the muffin tin cups with paper liners or lightly grease well.
