Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Introduction

There’s something utterly delightful about a dessert that combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the comforting familiarity of a cookie. These Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups have become a household favorite for my family, especially during the warmer months. The buttery cookie cups are filled with luscious lemon curd, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Each bite is a burst of flavor, making them ideal for gatherings, picnics, or simply a treat after dinner. My kids love them, and they disappear faster than I can make them! Here’s how to whip up these irresistible treats.

Ingredients

• For the Cookie Cups:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• For Dusting:
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to ensure easy removal of the cookie cups.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, giving the cookie cups a tender texture.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   Mix in the vanilla extract to add flavor. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and a soft dough forms.
4. Form the Cookie Cups:
   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring spoon to press down the dough and shape it into a cup.
5. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove the cookie cups from the oven and immediately use the back of a spoon to create an indent in the center of each cookie cup while they are still warm. Allow them to cool completely in the tin.
6. Fill with Lemon Curd:
   Once cooled, fill each cookie cup with about 1 tablespoon of lemon curd, generously heaping it in the center.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
   Just before serving, dust the cookie cups with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes

How to Serve

These Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve after dinner with a cup of tea or coffee.
• For Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any festive gathering.
• As a Snack: Great for afternoon snacks or picnics.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before pressing it into the muffin tin.
2. Lemon Curd: For the best flavor, use homemade lemon curd, but store-bought works perfectly too!
3. Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
4. Texture: For a firmer cookie, bake an extra minute or two, but watch closely to prevent overbaking.
5. Garnishing: Try adding a small piece of candied lemon peel on top for a decorative touch.

Recipe Variations

• Flavor Twists: Substitute lemon curd with other fruit curds like lime or raspberry for a different flavor profile.
• Add-ins: Mix in some lemon zest into the cookie dough for an extra punch of lemon flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookie cups gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these cookie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
• Create a dessert platter with various flavors of cookie cups for a lovely presentation.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze, prepare the cookie cups but do not fill them with lemon curd. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and fill with lemon curd.
• Storage: Store filled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before using.
2. How do I know when the cookie cups are done?
   The edges should be lightly golden, and they will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I use other fillings besides lemon curd?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit curds or custards.
4. What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
   You can use a regular muffin tin, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.
5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While it’s possible, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.
6. How can I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the tin?
   Greasing the tin thoroughly should help, but you can also use parchment liners.
7. What should I do if I have leftover lemon curd?
   Leftover lemon curd can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and used in other recipes or as a topping for yogurt.
8. Can I add a frosting or glaze on top?
   Yes, a light lemon glaze would complement the flavor nicely.
9. Are these cookie cups suitable for kids?
   Yes, they’re a hit with kids! Just be mindful of the powdered sugar dusting if serving to young ones.
10. How many cookie cups does this recipe yield?
    This recipe makes about 24 mini cookie cups.

Conclusion

These Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are a delightful addition to any dessert table. Their tangy lemon curd filling paired with buttery cookie cups creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookie cups are sure to impress. Enjoy making them and watching your family and friends savor every delicious bite!

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