- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or use cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them into the muffin tin.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press down in the center of each ball to create a cup shape.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and use a small spoon to reshape the indentations if needed. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth.
- Let the lemon curd cool slightly before filling the cookie cups.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon or pipe the lemon filling into the cooled cookie cups.
- Let set for 30 minutes or refrigerate for a chilled version.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or lemon zest curls before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
✔ Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
✔ Store in an airtight container to keep the cookie cups crisp.
✔ For a twist, swap lemon curd with lime or orange curd for different citrus flavors!
Variants & Substitutions
- Berry Lemon Cups: Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in a bit of cream cheese with the lemon curd for a richer filling.
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes! If short on time, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly.
2. How do I keep the cookie cups from getting soggy?
Let the cookie cups cool completely before adding the lemon filling. You can also brush the inside with melted white chocolate to create a barrier.
3. Can I freeze these lemon cookie cups?
Yes! Freeze unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Fill after thawing for the best texture.
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