These Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and tangy citrus flavor. With a golden sugar cookie base and luscious lemon filling, each bite delivers that refreshing burst of sunshine you crave in a classic lemon dessert. Easy to make, beautifully portioned, and absolutely delicious, these cookie cups bring the charm of lemon bars in a fun, bite-sized form.
Perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple afternoon treat, they’re guaranteed to brighten any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Portion-Controlled: All the flavor of lemon bars in a neat, single-serve bite.
Burst of Citrus: Tangy lemon filling paired with a sweet cookie crust.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, beautiful results.
Crowd Favorite: Ideal for bake sales, parties, or family desserts.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 package (about 17.5 oz) sugar cookie dough (or homemade dough)
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the pan
For the Lemon Filling:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Cookie Cup Base
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place one ball in each muffin cup. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indent in the center of each ball to create a cup shape.
3. Bake the Cookie Cups
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and gently press the center again while warm to maintain the cup shape. Let cool.
4. Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Fill and Bake
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the lemon mixture into each cookie cup. Bake an additional 8–10 minutes, until the filling is set.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the cups cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic touch.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 95
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Gives the filling that authentic tart flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: A small spoonful of filling is enough for each cup.
- Let Them Cool: They firm up as they cool, so be patient before removing from the pan.
- Add Zest on Top: A sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness and a touch of color.
Why This Recipe Works
These cookie cups capture everything people love about classic lemon bars—the silky lemon custard, the sweet crust, and the refreshing tang—but make it easier to serve and enjoy. The cookie base bakes up tender and buttery, while the lemon filling stays creamy and vibrant.
Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves bright citrus flavor and buttery sweetness in one bite. Simple to make and absolutely delightful to eat, they bring sunshine to any dessert table. Whether served at a spring brunch, baby shower, or family get-together, these zesty little treats are sure to disappear fast!
Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups – Bright, Buttery, and Irresistible
24
servings15
minutes15
minutes95
kcal30
minutesThese Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups are the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and tangy citrus flavor. With a golden sugar cookie base and luscious lemon filling, each bite delivers that refreshing burst of sunshine you crave in a classic lemon dessert. Easy to make, beautifully portioned, and absolutely delicious, these cookie cups bring the charm of lemon bars in a fun, bite-sized form.
Perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple afternoon treat, they’re guaranteed to brighten any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cups:
1 package (about 17.5 oz) sugar cookie dough (or homemade dough)
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the pan
For the Lemon Filling:
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. - Make the Cookie Cup Base
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place one ball in each muffin cup. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indent in the center of each ball to create a cup shape. - Bake the Cookie Cups
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and gently press the center again while warm to maintain the cup shape. Let cool. - Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and slightly thickened. - Fill and Bake
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the lemon mixture into each cookie cup. Bake an additional 8–10 minutes, until the filling is set. - Cool & Serve
Let the cups cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Gives the filling that authentic tart flavor.
Don’t Overfill: A small spoonful of filling is enough for each cup.
Let Them Cool: They firm up as they cool, so be patient before removing from the pan.
Add Zest on Top: A sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness and a touch of color.