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Lemon Bar Cookie Cups Recipe – Easy & Delicious

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Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the perfect combination of two classic desserts—rich, buttery shortbread cookies and tangy, homemade lemon curd. These bite-sized treats capture the essence of traditional lemon bars while offering a convenient, handheld serving style. Ideal for parties, brunches, or just an afternoon treat, they provide the same delightful flavors in a portion-controlled package.

Inspired by The Skinny Fork’s lightened-up version, this recipe reduces sugar without compromising on taste. The cookie cup itself is soft and buttery with just the right amount of crispness, while the lemon curd filling adds a smooth, citrusy punch. It’s a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

 

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Cookie Cups:

  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sweetener (such as Stevia or preferred alternative)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Curd:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup sweetener
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Cups
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter, sweetener, and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until a dough forms.
  6. Scoop dough into mini muffin cups and press down to create a well.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. While still warm, press the center of each cookie to reinforce the well.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Curd
  1. In a saucepan, whisk butter, sugar, sweetener, eggs, egg yolks, and lemon juice.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookie Cups
  1. Once cooled, spoon lemon curd into each cookie cup.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
  3. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with lemon zest.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled for a refreshing citrus burst.
  • Pair with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Notes

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes + 30 minutes chilling time
  • Yield: 24 mini cookie cups
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
  • Keywords: Lemon Bar Cookie Cups, Mini Lemon Tarts, Lemon Curd Cookies, Bite-Sized Desserts

Equipment

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for smooth curd)
  • Cooling rack

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Cookie Cup)

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
  • Calories: ~120 kcal
  • Sugar: ~5g
  • Sodium: ~50mg
  • Fat: ~7g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12g
  • Fiber: ~0.5g
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Cholesterol: ~35m