If you’ve been searching for a bright, tangy treat that combines the buttery goodness of cookies with the vibrant zing of lemon bars, then get ready to fall head over heels for these Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups. Each bite-sized cup is a little masterpiece of tender cookie crust filled with luscious, silky lemon filling topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. These charming citrus delights are perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to elegant tea parties, and they’re sure to become one of your all-time favorite mini desserts.

Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups requires just a handful of simple, classic ingredients that come together in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element—from the butter to the fresh lemon juice—is essential to the final taste and irresistibly tender crumb.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookie cups perfectly tender and flavorful.
Granulated sugar (divided): Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb in the crust and smooth filling.
Large egg yolk (1): Binds the crust ingredients together for a soft, pliable dough, while eggs in the filling lend richness and structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the buttery flavors and balances the citrus notes beautifully.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups total): Builds the sturdy yet delicate base for the cookie cups and thickens the lemon filling.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Elevates all the flavors, making sure the lemon and butter shine without being too sweet.
Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): The star ingredient that delivers that bright, mouth-puckering citrus zing.
Lemon zest (1 tsp): Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils for a truly fresh bite.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds an elegant finishing touch with a light, sweet dusting.

How to Make Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Step 1: Prepare and Pre-Bake the Cookie Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 12-cup mini muffin tin. In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base. Then stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract to add flavor and moisture. Mix in the flour and salt just until a soft dough forms. Divide this dough evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it firmly along the bottom and up the sides to create tiny cups. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, forming a sturdy yet delicate crust that will hold the luscious filling.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Lemon Filling

While your cookie cups are baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth and well combined. This silky, tangy filling is the heart of your lemon bar cookie cups, balancing sweetness with a refreshing citrus punch.

Step 3: Fill and Bake Again

Once your cookie bases are lightly golden and cooled slightly, carefully pour the lemon filling into each cup, filling almost to the top. Return your muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the filling is set but still tender in the center. This second bake melds the crust and the zesty filling into a harmonious little dessert.

Step 4: Cool and Finish with Powdered Sugar

After baking, allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, dust each cup with powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet finish that makes these Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups look as delightful as they taste.

How to Serve Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Garnishes

These cookie cups are versatile and fun to dress up. Fresh mint leaves or a small edible flower petal add a pop of color and a subtle hint of freshness. For extra zing, a small curl of lemon zest or a tiny dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these lemon beauties alongside a cup of hot tea or a chilled glass of sparkling white wine to complement their bright citrus flavors. They also hold their own when paired with fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a refreshing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookie cups on a pretty tiered dessert tray or a rustic wooden board for a stunning presentation. You can also line a gift box with tissue paper and fill it with these treats for a charming homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the fresh lemon filling’s texture and flavor while keeping that buttery crust crisp.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their perfect texture.

Reheating

For the best flavor, serve the cookie cups cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, gently heat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes, but avoid overheating or the filling could become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice offers the brightest, most vibrant flavor essential to these cookie cups, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a high-quality, 100% lemon juice without additives to avoid affecting the final taste.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can try using a regular muffin pan for larger cookie cups, but adjust baking times accordingly. Alternatively, silicone mini cupcake molds work wonderfully as well.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the filling from spilling over?

Be careful not to overfill the cookie cups with lemon filling; filling up to just below the rim works best. Make sure the cookie crusts are properly pressed up the sides to contain the filling as it bakes and sets.

Are these cookie cups suitable for parties?

Absolutely! Their bite-size format, vibrant flavor, and elegant look make these Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups a fantastic choice for parties and gatherings. They are easy to serve and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups highly enough—they’re a perfect little lemony treat bursting with fresh flavor, tender texture, and a delightful citrus kick that feels like sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging yourself, these cookie cups are bound to become a cherished recipe in your baking rotation. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 44 minutes
Yield: 12 cookie cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups combine a buttery cookie crust with a tangy lemon filling, baked to perfection in mini muffin tins and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a refreshing citrus dessert that’s easy to make and delightful to share.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Cups

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Lemon Filling

2 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

Topping

Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Make Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Form Cookie Cups: Divide the dough evenly among the mini muffin cups. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to form small cookie cups that will hold the filling.
Bake Cookie Cups: Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until they turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare Lemon Filling: While the cookie cups bake, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
Fill and Bake: Carefully pour the lemon filling into each pre-baked cookie cup, filling nearly to the top. Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cookie cups from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Gently remove each cup from the muffin tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust each lemon bar cookie cup with powdered sugar.

Notes

For an extra punch of lemon flavor, add additional lemon zest or a drop of lemon extract to the filling mixture.
Store the cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American