Name: Lemon Bar Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for cookie base); ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice; 2 large eggs; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for lemon filling); 1 large egg (for cookie base); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (for lemon filling); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Crisp, buttery crusts holding creamy lemon bar cookie cups always spark joy in my kitchen.

Sunshine-bright flavors dance through each delicate bite, promising pure delight.

My grandmother’s secret technique involves perfecting the delicate balance between tangy filling and tender pastry.

Soft, pillowy edges contrast with zesty lemon’s sharp whisper, creating a symphony of taste.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, these miniature treats will become your new favorite dessert.

Delicate yet bold, these cookie cups invite you to savor every moment of sweet-tart bliss.

Eager bakers and dessert enthusiasts, this recipe promises to delight even the most discerning palate.

Perfect for busy home bakers who want delightful desserts without spending hours in the kitchen.
Combines the classic flavors of lemon bars and cookie cups, making it a universal crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults.
Looks elegant and professional, yet surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions without requiring advanced baking skills.
Easy to adapt by switching citrus flavors or adding creative toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream for personalized presentation.

Cookie Base:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie base, choose unbleached flour for best results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crisp cookie texture, white sugar works best.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie, use unsalted for better flavor control.
Egg: Binds ingredients and provides moisture, room temperature egg recommended.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, pure vanilla gives the best taste.
Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, check freshness before using.

Lemon Filling:

Lemon Juice: Provides tangy citrus flavor, fresh lemons give the best taste.
Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon aroma and bright flavor, use organic lemons if possible.
Eggs: Helps thicken and set the filling, room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling, white sugar works best.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the lemon filling, sift to remove any lumps.

Finishing Touch:

Powdered Sugar: Decorative dusting adds sweetness and visual appeal, sift for even coverage.

Step 1: Prepare Oven Space

Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, blend:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar

Whip until fluffy and light. Add egg and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.

In another bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Form Cookie Bases

Roll dough into small balls. Press each ball into muffin cups, creating a smooth inner shell. Push dough up sides and bottom to form cup shape.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. If centers puff up, gently press down with spoon.

Step 4: Craft Zesty Filling

Whisk together in a bowl:

Fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Flour

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 5: Complete Cookie Cups

Pour lemon mixture into each cookie shell, filling just below rim.

Bake an additional 10-12 minutes until filling sets completely.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Allow cookie cups to cool entirely in pan. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Prevent Sticky Situations: Generously grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal of cookie cups.
Master the Cookie Cup Shape: Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to create an even, thin wall when pressing dough into muffin cups for uniform baking.
Zest Up the Flavor: Grate fresh lemon zest directly into the filling for a more intense, bright citrus taste that elevates the entire dessert.
Customize Your Treat: Swap out lemon for other citrus like lime or orange to create unique flavor variations that match your mood or seasonal preferences.
Achieve Perfect Texture: Allow cookie cups to cool completely before removing from the pan to maintain their delicate structure and prevent crumbling.

Store leftover lemon bar cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Carefully wrap individual cookie cups in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Remove frozen cookie cups from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the delicate texture.
Quickly warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore the crisp cookie base and bring out the lemon flavor. Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.

Craft light, refreshing cocktails like lemon drop martinis or limoncello spritzers that complement the dessert's bright citrus notes and enhance its sweet-tangy profile.
Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the lemon bar's tartness and provide a smooth, cool counterpoint to the crisp cookie cup texture.
Select delicate white or chamomile tea to softly underscore the lemon's brightness without overwhelming the dessert's delicate flavor complexity.
Pour chilled prosecco or sparkling white wine to add elegant effervescence that cuts through the dessert's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Gluten-Free Cookie Cups: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Lemon Cups: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
Reduced Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, and swap lemon filling with a lighter stevia-based filling for diabetic-friendly dessert.
Citrus Flavor Swap: Replace lemon with orange or lime zest and juice to create alternative citrus-based cookie cups with unique tangy profiles.

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

Grilling Techniques and Innovations
Recipe Development and Testing
Culinary Education and Workshops
Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking.

Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.