Name: Easy Lemon Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Powdered sugar (for dusting); Lemon zest or small lemon slices

Sweet summer memories come flooding back with these delightful lemon cookie cups that capture sunshine in every bite.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through crisp, buttery edges.

Delicate pastry shells cradle a bright, zesty filling that whispers of refreshing afternoons.

Tangy cream nestles perfectly in golden-brown cookie bases, creating a miniature dessert masterpiece.

Baking these treats feels like a gentle celebration of simple pleasures.

Crisp textures and vibrant flavors will have you reaching for seconds before the first batch cools.

You won’t be able to resist these charming little morsels that promise pure delight.

These lemon cookie cups bring joy to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prepare these delightful treats in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
Kids and adults can easily collaborate on this simple recipe, creating sweet memories together while making delicious cookie cups.
These cute mini treats work wonderfully for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a delightful weekend baking project that everyone will love.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie, providing a soft and tender texture.
Butter: Gives rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy base for the cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.

Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Moisture and Flavor Enhancers:

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie texture.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, deep flavor that complements the lemon.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a mini muffin pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar

Whip these ingredients together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and airy.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture

Gently fold in:

Egg
Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Elements

In a separate bowl, mix:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the creamy base. Stir gently until a soft, pliable dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Cups

Scoop a tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a gentle indent in the center of each dough ball.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 8: Create Cookie Cup Cavities

Immediately after removing from the oven, use a small spoon or tart shaper to press down the centers, creating a perfect cup shape. This creates a beautiful well for filling later.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Let the cookie cups rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cups will firm up and become wonderfully crisp.

Customize Cookie Texture: Adjust butter temperature for softer or crispier cookies by using slightly chilled or room temperature butter.
Prevent Sticking Trick: Lightly dust the muffin pan with flour after greasing to ensure easy cookie removal and clean edges.
Boost Lemon Flavor: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough for an extra citrusy punch that enhances the overall taste profile.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and simplifying baking process.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste or texture.

Store cooled lemon cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing 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 to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Remove frozen cookie cups from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
Quickly crisp up refrigerated or thawed cookie cups by warming in a 300F oven for 2-3 minutes before serving, which restores their delightful crunch.

The floral notes of lavender beautifully balance the bright citrus flavor of the lemon cookies, creating a sophisticated and refreshing taste experience.
Creamy, smooth vanilla gelato provides a rich and cool contrast to the tangy lemon cookie cups, enhancing their delicate texture and citrus punch.
Whip mascarpone cheese with a touch of honey to create a luxurious, silky topping that adds creamy sweetness and elegance to the lemon cookies.
Prepare a quick blueberry compote to serve alongside the cookies, offering a fruity and slightly tart counterpoint that complements the lemon's bright flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Lemon Cookie Cups: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Use certified gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete allergen safety.
Vegan Citrus Cookie Cups: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace egg with flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for plant-based version. Use dairy-free lemon zest for added flavor.
Low-Sugar Lemon Treats: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce calorie content. Use sugar-free vanilla extract and incorporate lemon extract for intense citrus flavor without added sugars.
Keto-Friendly Lemon Bites: Use almond flour and replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Add cream cheese to enhance richness and maintain a keto-friendly macronutrient profile. Incorporate additional lemon zest for bright, tangy notes.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to thoroughly grease the mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray before adding the dough. This will help the cookie cups release easily after baking.

What if I don't have a mini muffin pan?

You can use a regular muffin pan, but the cookie cups will be larger. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness by observing the golden edges.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

Program: Certificate in Patisserie
Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.