Description
Lemon zest cookie cups deliver a tangy twist on classic desserts with buttery shortbread and zesty citrus cream. Refreshing flavors and delicate texture invite you to savor each delightful bite of these elegant mini treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for cookie base)
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for lemon filling)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or cupcake liners.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened unsalted butter and 190 grams of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Gradually fold in all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Distribute the cookie dough uniformly across muffin cups, gently pressing and molding each portion to create cup-like shapes with slightly raised edges.
- Bake the cookie cups for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown, indicating a perfectly crisp texture.
- While cookie cups are baking, create the lemon filling by whisking whole eggs, 200 grams of granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and finely grated lemon zest until smooth and well-integrated.
- Remove partially baked cookie cups from the oven and carefully pour the lemon filling into each cup, filling approximately three-quarters of the way to prevent overflow.
- Return the filled cookie cups to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-18 minutes, ensuring the filling sets and becomes slightly firm with a gentle wobble.
- Extract from the oven and allow the lemon zest cookie cups to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize.
- Finish by dusting the cooled cookie cups with a light, even layer of powdered sugar just before serving, adding a delicate sweetness and elegant presentation.
Notes
- Zesty Preparation Tip: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing of cookie dough.
- Precision Matters: Use a clean spoon or small glass to press cookie dough evenly into muffin cups, creating perfect cup shapes.
- Lemon Flavor Enhancement: Grate fresh lemon zest directly into the filling for maximum citrusy aroma and intense flavor.
- Baking Insight: Watch cookie cups closely during first bake to prevent over-browning, aiming for a light golden color.
- Cooling Strategy: Let cookie cups cool completely in the pan to maintain their delicate cup structure before removing.
- Serving Suggestion: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to create a beautiful, elegant presentation that adds a touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg