This Easy Lemon Cookie Cup Recipe is a refreshing and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Just picture this: a buttery, soft cookie cup filled with a smooth and tangy lemon curd that bursts with flavor in every bite. You might be wondering how something that sounds so fancy can actually be so simple—well, let me tell you, it is! This recipe is for anyone who wants to impress friends or family without spending all day in the kitchen. It blends the sunshiny taste of lemons with the comfort of a sweet cookie, making it hard not to fall in love with these little treats. Whether it’s a summer gathering, holiday feast, or just a craving for something sweet, these lemon cookie cups will shine on your dessert table.
Let’s get started, and I promise you’ll have fun making them while filling your home with that wonderful lemony aroma. Grab your apron, and let’s bake these Easy Lemon Cookie Cups together—your sweet-tooth self will thank you later!
Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Lemon Cookie Cup Recipe combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemons with the comforting warmth of a sugar cookie, resulting in a delightful treat that pleases the palate. The soft cookie cup serves as the perfect vessel for a smooth, creamy lemon curd filling that strikes a balance between sweet and tart. Not only is the taste a heavenly combination, but the simplicity of the ingredients ensures that even novice bakers can create this elegant dessert with ease. Plus, the fresh aroma of lemon will chase away any stress, creating a fun baking session filled with delightful anticipation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Cookie Cup Recipe
Not only are these cookie cups simple to prepare, but they are also incredibly versatile. Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or even a casual get-together with friends, they’re a hit with family and guests alike. Each bite offers just the right amount of sweetness balanced by a hint of tang, evoking the joys of sunny days. Their charming appearance means they’ll make a beautiful addition to your dessert table, grabbing attention and cravings. You’ll find that everyone will want to know your secret to this delectable treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar (for lemon curd)
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (for lemon curd)
- 1/4 cup butter (cold and cubed)
Gathering these ingredients before you start is a great way to make sure you have everything handy when you’re in the zone baking.
Preparing the Sugar Cookie Cups
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting it warm and cozy will help your cookie cups bake perfectly.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, mix the room temperature butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Using the paddle attachment, whip it up until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want that lovely airy texture that makes cookies so delicious!
Incorporate the Eggs
Next, add the eggs. Do this one at a time, blending on low speed. It’s helpful to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything gets mixed well. Once both eggs are in, add the vanilla extract and salt, then mix just until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a separate large bowl. Whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the buttery mixture, mixing slowly to avoid flour clouds. Continue until everything is fully integrated—don’t overdo it!
Form the Cookie Cups
Using an ice cream scoop, you’ll want to create 1-inch balls of dough. Place these into a greased mini muffin tin. Press down gently in the center of each ball to form a small cup shape. This step is what makes those lovely cookie cups that will hold your lemon curd.
Bake the Cookie Cups
Now it’s time to bake! Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The scent in your kitchen will have everyone wandering in for a sniff!
Making the Lemon Curd Filling
Blend Ingredients
For the lemon curd, start by blending together the lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest in a blender. Blend until you have a smooth mixture—no lumps allowed!
Cook the Lemon Mixture
Next, transfer this mixture to a saucepan and cook it over medium heat. Stir continuously while the mixture heats up. Keep going until it reaches a rapid boil (around 172°F or 78°C). Patience is key here as the cooking will concentrate the flavors beautifully.
Add Butter
Once it’s boiled, take the saucepan off the heat and whisk in the cold cubed butter. Continue whisking until your lemon curd is completely smooth and luscious. This is where that creamy goodness comes together!
Fill the Cookie Cups
Now comes the fun part—spoon about 1 tablespoon of lemon curd into each cooled cookie cup. Once they’re all filled, let them cool completely. For an extra chill and burst of flavor, refrigerate until nice and cold.
Serve
Just before you’re ready to serve, dust them lightly with a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you like. Now they’re ready to eat, and believe me, they won’t last long!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Easy Lemon Cookie Cups with a refreshing glass of iced tea, or they can be a delightful part of a dessert buffet at your next gathering. Their refreshing taste pairs well with many drinks and treats.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Be careful not to over-mix the cookie dough; this helps keep your cookie cups tender.
- Always let the cookie cups cool before adding the lemon curd. This avoids any sogginess that can occur.
Variations
- For a twist on flavor, try substituting lime juice for the lemon juice. It brings a whole new vibe!
- You can add a hint of coconut by mixing in some shredded coconut into the cookie dough for a tropical flair.
FAQs
-
Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie cups and lemon curd in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh. -
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
Lime juice or orange juice can work wonderfully for a different citrus experience. -
How long will these cookie cups stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days for the best taste. -
Can I freeze these cookie cups?
Absolutely! Freeze the cookie cups without the lemon curd. Just assemble them after thawing. -
What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
You can use a regular muffin tin; just adjust the baking time and the amount of dough in each cup accordingly.
These Easy Lemon Cookie Cups are more than just a treat; they are a delightful experience that beautifully merges flavor, texture, and appearance. Whether for a gathering or a quiet evening at home, these cookie cups will surely brighten your day. With their ease of preparation and refreshing taste, they’re bound to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Enjoy every bite and the smiles they bring!
Print
Easy Lemon Cookie Cup
These Easy Lemon Cookie Cups combine a buttery, soft cookie with a smooth lemon curd filling. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful flavor experience.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie cups 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar (for lemon curd)
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (for lemon curd)
- 1/4 cup butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla extract and salt.
- Whisk together baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Gradually incorporate into the buttery mixture.
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough into a greased mini muffin tin and press down to form cups.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until lightly golden. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
- For lemon curd, blend lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring, until it reaches a rapid boil.
- Remove from heat, whisk in cubed butter until smooth.
- Fill each cookie cup with lemon curd and refrigerate until chilled.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Avoid over-mixing the cookie dough to keep it tender.
Cool cookie cups completely before adding lemon curd to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
