Mouthwatering Lemon Bar Cookie Cups

Ingredients:

For the cookie crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the lemon filling:

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the cookie crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin (or line it with paper liners) and set it aside.

   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

   • In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

   • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

   • Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. It will be a bit thick.

   • Scoop a tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup and press it down to form a small crust at the bottom. Use your fingers or a spoon to flatten the dough evenly.

   • Bake the cookie crusts in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.

2. Make the lemon filling:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.

   • Carefully spoon the lemon mixture over the baked cookie crusts, filling each cup nearly to the top.

   • Bake the filled cookie cups in the oven for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and slightly golden on top. The center should be firm to the touch.

3. Cool and serve:

   • Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for 10-15 minutes, then gently remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

   • Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch (optional).

4. Enjoy:

   • Serve these lemon bar cookie cups chilled or at room temperature for a delicious burst of tangy lemon flavor in a bite-sized treat!

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Tips:

• Storage: Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Customizations: Add a little extra zest or lemon juice for more intense flavor. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange for a twist!

• Serving suggestion: These cookie cups are perfect for summer parties or as a light dessert with a cup of tea or coffee.