Description
These delightful Lemon Cookie Cups are a perfect blend of zesty citrus flavor and creamy sweetness, baked into tender cookie shells filled with a luscious lemon cream cheese filling. Ideal for parties or a light dessert, they offer a refreshing twist on classic cookies with a creamy lemon curd center and an optional whipped cream topping for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cups
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream
- Additional lemon zest or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside these dry ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a cookie dough forms.
- Form Cookie Cups: Scoop approximately one tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup, then press down gently with your fingers to shape small cup-like shells.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups turn a light golden brown. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: While the cookie cups cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Lemon Curd and Juice: Mix the lemon curd and lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Fill Cookie Cups: Once the cookie cups are completely cooled, spoon the lemon filling into each cup, spreading it evenly inside.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Top each filled cookie cup with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices for presentation and added flavor.
- Serve: Serve these refreshing lemon cookie cups chilled or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon curd with homemade curd if preferred.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- To prevent sticking, greasing or lining the mini muffin tin with silicone liners works well.
- For extra lemon flavor, a bit of fresh lemon juice can be added to the dough if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.