Mini Cookie Cups with Luscious Lemon Curd

Treat yourself to these delightful Lemon Curd Cookie Cups, featuring a buttery cookie shell filled with smooth, tangy lemon curd. Perfect for any occasion, these mini desserts are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and elegant presentation!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Lemon Curd Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs + 2 egg yolks

For the Topping:

• Zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

Instructions/Directions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a soft cookie dough.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookie Cups:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place each one into a mini muffin tin. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Immediately press the center of each cookie with the back of a spoon to create a cup shape. Allow them to cool completely in the tin.
3. Make the Lemon Curd:
   In a saucepan, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until well combined. Whisk in the whole eggs, egg yolks, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (approximately 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Assemble the Cookie Cups:
   Once the cookie cups are cooled, fill each with a generous spoonful of the lemon curd. Refrigerate the filled cookie cups for at least 1 hour to allow the curd to set.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Just before serving, sprinkle the tops of the cookie cups with lemon zest and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and setting time)
Servings: 24 mini cookie cups

Hashtags: #LemonCurd #CookieCups #BakingJoy #MiniDesserts #CitrusDelight