Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

There’s something magical about lemon desserts, don’t you think? The perfect balance of tart and sweet, they always have a way of brightening up any occasion. Enter these Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups—a fun, bite-sized twist on the classic lemon bar! Picture this: a buttery, soft cookie crust filled with a zesty, creamy lemon filling. They’re sweet, tangy, and downright irresistible. Trust me, these will be your new go-to for bringing a little sunshine to any gathering—or just enjoying a moment of citrusy bliss all to yourself.

Why You’ll Love Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

• Perfectly Portable: Who doesn’t love a good cookie cup? These are perfect for picnics, parties, or just snacking on the go. No mess, no fuss—just pure lemony joy in every bite.
• Crispy and Creamy: The contrast between the crispy cookie base and the smooth, luscious lemon filling is just chef’s kiss. It’s like biting into a perfect little piece of sunshine!
• Quick and Easy: The best part? These cookie cups are super easy to make! You’ll get all the flavor of classic lemon bars, but in a fun, single-serving form.
• Zesty and Sweet: The tang of the lemon filling paired with the sweetness of the cookie crust creates a flavor combo that’s totally addictive. And if you’re a lemon lover (who isn’t?), these will be your new favorite treat.
• Make Ahead: These little beauties can be made ahead of time, so they’re perfect for a stress-free dessert option when hosting.

Ingredients in Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful cookie cups to life:

• Sugar Cookie Dough: You can use store-bought dough (we won’t judge!) or make your own from scratch. The cookie dough creates the perfect base for these lemony delights.
• Lemon Zest: For that extra pop of fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Eggs: These help set the filling to create that classic lemon bar texture.
• Sugar: Sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon.
• Flour: Just a little flour to help thicken up the lemon filling.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for the brightest lemon flavor. The more lemon, the better!
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the tops of your cookie cups once they’re baked and cooled. It’s the perfect final touch!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake up these little bites of heaven? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Press small spoonfuls of sugar cookie dough into each muffin cup, forming a little crust that covers the bottom and sides. Bake the cookie crusts for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool in the pan while you prepare the lemon filling.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, flour, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth. The flour will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Step 3: Fill the Cookie Cups

Once the cookie cups have cooled slightly, spoon the lemon filling into each one, filling them almost to the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookie cups with the lemon filling at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden and the tops have a little jiggle.

Step 5: Cool and Dust

Allow the lemon bar cookie cups to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled down, dust them with powdered sugar for that extra pop of sweetness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these delightful cookie cups as an after-dinner treat, at your next party, or just because you’re in the mood for something lemony and delicious. These will be gone before you know it, so make sure to enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a lovely richness to balance the tart lemon filling.
• With Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries pair beautifully with the citrusy flavor of the lemon. Plus, they add a burst of color to your presentation.
• With Tea or Coffee: These cookie cups are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea or coffee. The zesty lemon pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.

Additional Tips

• Add a Twist: If you like your lemon desserts with a little extra kick, try adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling for a more intense lemon flavor.
• Make them Mini: For bite-sized treats, use a mini muffin tin to create tiny cookie cups that are perfect for snacking.
• Keep them Fresh: These cookie cups stay fresh in an airtight container for 2-3 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 65mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
A1: Yes! Using store-bought sugar cookie dough is a total time-saver. Just press it into the muffin tin, and you’re good to go!

Q2: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A1: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for this recipe, as it gives a brighter, fresher flavor. But if you have bottled lemon juice, it will work in a pinch.

Q3: Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! Just swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of these delicious cookie cups.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer them a bit chilled!

Q5: Can I freeze these lemon bar cookie cups?
A5: Yes! These cookie cups freeze really well. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q6: Can I make these without a muffin tin?
A6: If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can use a mini tart pan or make them freeform on a baking sheet by shaping the dough into small circles. Just be mindful of the baking time.

Q7: Can I add a bit of zest to the cookie dough?
A7: Yes! Adding a little lemon zest to the sugar cookie dough would enhance the lemony flavor and make them even more delightful.

Q8: How can I make these less sweet?
A8: You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cookie dough and lemon filling to suit your preference. Just keep in mind the balance of flavors.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, you can double the recipe if you’re making them for a crowd! Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Q10: Can I add other fruit to the filling?
A10: While these are traditionally lemon, you could try adding a little raspberry or blueberry puree to the filling for a fruity twist!

Conclusion

These Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are everything you love about classic lemon bars, but in a fun and easy-to-eat form. Buttery cookie crust, creamy lemon filling, and just the right amount of sweetness—they’re an absolute treat that will wow your friends and family. So go ahead, bake up a batch (or two), and enjoy the zesty goodness that comes with each bite. Perfect for any occasion, or just to brighten up your day with a little bit of sunshine!

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