Description
Zesty lemon bar cookie cups deliver a tangy twist on classic desserts, blending buttery shortbread with silky citrus filling. Sweet and sharp flavors dance together, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this irresistible homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin to ensure easy cookie cup removal.
- Combine flour and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, then incorporate softened butter until a crumbly, cohesive dough forms.
- Gently press small portions of the dough into each muffin cavity, creating a thin, even base and slightly raised edges.
- Bake the cookie bases for 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Carefully pour the lemon filling into the partially baked cookie cups, filling each nearly to the top.
- Return the filled muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the filling sets and appears slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and let the cookie cups cool completely in the tin to maintain their delicate structure.
- Gently run a small knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully transfer to a serving platter.
- Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar, adding a touch of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and brighten the lemon notes before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal texture in both cookie base and lemon filling.
- Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and enhance citrusy brightness in the recipe.
- Experiment with alternative flour options like almond or gluten-free blends for dietary adaptations without compromising taste.
- Chill the cookie cups briefly before serving to help filling set and create a more refined, slice-like presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg