Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tangy brightness with sweet, fluffy clouds of meringue, you’re going to adore this Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe. Imagine a crisp, buttery cookie cup cradling luscious homemade lemon curd, all topped with golden, toasted meringue—it’s like a mini slice of sunshine in every bite. These little beauties are as charming as they are delicious, making them perfect for impressing friends or simply indulging yourself on any given day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe starts with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. From the buttery cookie base to the tangy curd and fluffy meringue, each component adds its own unique flair to the final dish.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookie cups structure and that slightly crisp bite.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookie base.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice: Bursting with bright citrus flavor, it’s the heart of the lemon curd filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Pack in extra lemony goodness and a fragrant punch.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon curd and the meringue topping perfectly.
• 2 large egg yolks: Give the lemon curd its rich, creamy texture.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed: Added to the lemon curd for silkiness and richness.
• 2 large egg whites: The base for the fluffy, cloud-like meringue that crowns each cookie cup.
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites, helping your meringue hold those pretty peaks.

How to Make Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease your mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This ensures your cookie cups bake evenly and release effortlessly once golden.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough

Mix the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl, then add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend everything until it forms a smooth dough. This dough is your cookie cup’s sturdy, buttery shell that’s crisp yet tender.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookie Cups

Divide the dough into small, tablespoon-sized balls. Press each ball firmly into the bottom and sides of the mini muffin cups to create the iconic cup shape. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Let the cups cool in the tin so they keep their shape.

Step 4: Whip Up the Lemon Curd Filling

In a small saucepan, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a custard-like consistency—this usually takes 5-7 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the cubed butter until the curd is smooth and glossy, bursting with bright citrus flavor.

Step 5: Fill Your Cookie Cups

Carefully spoon about one tablespoon of your homemade lemon curd into each cooled cookie cup, filling them generously but avoiding overflows. This luscious, tangy filling is what makes these cookie cups irresistible.

Step 6: Prepare the Meringue Topping

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until you get glossy, stiff peaks. This meringue will puff up beautifully, adding lightness and sweetness.

Step 7: Top and Shape the Meringue

Spoon the meringue over each lemon-filled cookie cup, spreading it right to the edges for full coverage. Use the back of your spoon to craft little peaks, giving them that signature dreamy texture that’s just begging to be toasted.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Pop the cookie cups back into the oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the meringue turns a gorgeous golden brown. Keep a close eye as meringue can quickly go from perfect to burnt. This finishing touch adds crunch and gorgeous color.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookie cups cool completely before removing them from the tin. This lets the lemon curd set and the meringue firm up, so every bite holds its delightful shape and flavor. Store them in an airtight container for up to two days for peak freshness.

How to Serve Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe

Garnishes

Although these cookie cups are gorgeous on their own, a little extra something can make them sparkle. Consider zesting a tiny bit of lemon over the top for freshness or adding a small edible flower for a beautiful touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving also adds a delicate sweetness and elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a cup of your favorite tea or a simple glass of chilled sparkling water with a lemon wedge—the perfect companions to balance the rich sweetness. If you’re serving dessert after a meal, a fresh berry salad or light sorbet on the side complements the citrus without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the cookie cups on a decorative serving platter lined with lemon leaves or place each cup in a colorful mini cupcake liner to add charm. If you’re hosting a party, try presenting them on a tiered stand alongside other small, citrus-themed treats. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will spark conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookie cups are best enjoyed within two days, but storing them properly helps preserve their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat. This prevents the cookie base from becoming soggy and keeps the meringue fluffy.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookie cups (without lemon curd and meringue) in a sealed container for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw completely, then add the lemon curd and freshly whip the meringue to maintain that perfect texture and vibrant flavor.

Reheating

Since the meringue can lose its soft, toasted charm if reheated, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to warm the cookie cups slightly, do so in a low oven for just a few minutes, keeping a careful eye so you don’t melt the meringue. Room temperature is usually ideal for serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice provides brighter, fresher citrus flavor and much better aroma, which brings this Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe to life.

Is it necessary to use cream of tartar in the meringue?

Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites and helps the meringue hold its peaks. If you don’t have it, a few drops of lemon juice can also work as a substitute, but cream of tartar is preferred for the best results.

Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to keep the dough cohesive.

What if I don’t want to use raw egg whites in the meringue?

The meringue here is baked briefly, which cooks the egg whites, making it safe to eat. If you’re concerned, you can look for pasteurized egg whites sold in cartons as a safe alternative.

How can I prevent the cookie cups from becoming soggy?

Allow the cookie cups to cool completely before adding the lemon curd. Also, serve them soon after adding the meringue topping to enjoy the ideal contrast between the crisp cookie and the soft filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles instantly with its playful presentation and perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these cookie cups promise pure joy in every bite. So grab your mixing bowls and treat yourself to this little lemon wonder—you won’t regret it!

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