Is there anything better than the refreshing burst of citrus on a warm afternoon? When I first tasted Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups at a friend’s gathering, I was instantly transported to a sunlit terrace, relaxing with good friends and sweet treats. These delightful bites capture the essence of a classic lemon meringue pie but serve it in an adorable, easy-to-handle cookie cup.

Picture this: a buttery, crispy shell cradling velvety lemon curd, all topped with a cloud of fluffy meringue that melts in your mouth. They say great things come in small packages, and this dessert is no exception! Perfect for potlucks or a cozy tea party, these cookie cups are a breeze to whip up and are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. So grab your lemons and let’s bring a taste of sunshine to your kitchen with this foolproof recipe for Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups!

Why Love Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups?

Delightfully Simple: This recipe transforms the classic lemon meringue pie into easy-to-make cookie cups, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert without complicated steps.

Burst of Flavor: The bright lemon curd and fluffy meringue combine for a sweet and zesty experience that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookie cups are the perfect crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the cookie cups in advance and fill them just before serving for maximum freshness—great for those busy days!

Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment by adding fresh fruit or trying different citrus juices. For instance, why not add layers of berries for an extra touch?

With all these enticing reasons, you’ll find that these delightful treats are more than just delicious; they’re a joyful addition to your culinary repertoire!

Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Ingredients

Discover the simple ingredients needed to create your refreshing Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups!

For the Cookie Cups

Butter – Adds richness and structure to the cookie cups.
Sugar – Sweetens both the cookie and meringue.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
Lemon Zest – Infuses a bright citrus aroma—fresh zest is best!
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the sturdy base for your cookie cups.
Salt – Balances sweetness; use unsalted butter to control saltiness.

For the Lemon Filling

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Gives creaminess and sweetness to the lemon curd.
Lemon Juice – Brings essential tartness; freshly squeezed is recommended.
Egg Yolks – Thicken the lemon curd for a smooth texture.

For the Meringue Topping

Egg Whites – Whipped into fluffy meringue; ensure bowls are clean for the best volume.

With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups that are sure to bring smiles all around!

How to Make Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and lemon zest—this lovely floral note will enhance the flavor.
Form the Dough: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a dough forms. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. You want a slightly sticky dough that holds together.
Shape Cookie Cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin and press the dough firmly into the cups, leaving the centers slightly deep. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Make the Lemon Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and egg yolks over low heat. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens, stirring frequently; let it cool slightly before pouring into the cooled cookie cups.
Prepare the Meringue: Whip the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl until stiff peaks form—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Carefully spoon or pipe the meringue onto each filled cookie cup, creating a beautiful, fluffy crown.
Torch the Meringue: If you have a kitchen torch, lightly caramelize the meringue topping to give it a beautiful golden finish. If you don’t have a torch, you can briefly place the cookie cups under a broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.

Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a fresh berry on top for an extra pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a significant difference in flavor. Bottled options lack the zing that’s essential for delicious Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups.
Grease-Free Bowls: Ensure that your mixing bowls and beaters are completely grease-free for the meringue. This guarantees that the egg whites whip to their fullest volume without any issues.
Whip to Stiff Peaks: When whipping the egg whites for the meringue, beat until stiff peaks form. This means the meringue should hold its shape well—take your time to get this step right for that dreamy texture!
Bake in Advance: To maintain the crisp texture of the cookie cups, bake them a day in advance. Fill them just before serving to keep them deliciously intact.
Watch the Meringue: If you’re torching the meringue, keep a close eye on it! Meringue can burn quickly, so be ready to remove them from the heat as soon as they reach a golden hue.

What to Serve with Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups?

These delightful treats are perfect for brightening up any gathering or afternoon tea.

Iced Tea: A chilled glass pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the citrus notes.
Fresh Berries: Serving alongside strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a burst of freshness and color to your dessert platter.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the tangy lemon and fluffy meringue, adding a creamy richness.

Imagine a dessert table adorned with colorful accents—each element elevates the cookie cups, making them truly unforgettable.

Mini Fruit Tarts: Offer a contrast in texture and flavor; they create a delightful spread that guests can enjoy at their leisure.
Sparkling Lemonade: The fizzy, refreshing drink ties seamlessly with the lemony essence, perfect for summer picnics or cheerful brunches.
Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of chocolate across the tops of cookie cups adds a hint of decadence that pairs effortlessly with citrus.
Shortbread Cookies: A side of buttery shortbread adds a lovely crunch, perfect for those who crave a contrasting texture with their sweet treat.

Each pairing brings its unique charm to the table, allowing your Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups to shine even brighter!

Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity onto these delightful bites for a personalized touch that enhances the experience!

Berry Bliss: Add a fresh layer of berries, like raspberries or strawberries, on top of the lemon curd for a burst of color and sweetness. The juicy fruit perfectly complements the tangy curd.
Lime Twist: Swap out lemon juice for lime juice to create zesty Lime Meringue Cookie Cups. The tartness of lime brings a refreshing alternative that’s equally irresistible.
Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the cookie dough for a chewy texture and light sweetness. This twist transforms your cups into a tropical delight that will have everyone dreaming of the beach!
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the meringue topping for an indulgent touch. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the bright lemon flavor, making for a decadent dessert experience.
Nutty Alternative: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, into the cookie dough for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. These nuts add complexity and a satisfying bite to each cookie cup.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the cookie dough for a warm, aromatic twist. These spices lend a cozy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the citrusy bright lemon.
Extra Citrus: Mix in some orange zest or blood orange juice for an enhanced citrusy profile. This adds a unique depth of flavor that intrigues your taste buds with every bite.
Chill Out: For a refreshing summer treat, chill the filled cookie cups in the refrigerator before serving. A chilled dessert will make the flavors pop and offer a cool respite on warm days.

Make Ahead Options

These Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie cups and lemon filling up to 3 days in advance, allowing for a stress-free assembly on the day of serving. Simply bake the cookie cups and store them at room temperature in an airtight container, ensuring they stay crisp. The lemon filling can be refrigerated until you’re ready to fill the cups; this helps maintain its texture and flavor. On the day of serving, fill the cookie cups with lemon curd, whip the meringue, and pipe it on top. This way, your dessert will be just as delightful and fresh, making it an easy win for any gathering!

How to Store and Freeze Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

Room Temperature: Store baked cookie cups at room temperature for up to 2 days before filling. Keep them covered to maintain their crispness.

Fridge: Once filled with lemon curd and topped with meringue, refrigerate cookie cups and consume within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature when ready to fill.

Reheating: If preferred, you can reheat filled cookie cups in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes, ensuring the meringue stays intact and doesn’t collapse.

Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best lemons for my Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups?
Absolutely! When choosing lemons, look for ones that are vibrant yellow with a slightly glossy skin. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Avoid lemons with dark spots or a dull appearance, as these are signs of over-ripeness.

What is the best way to store Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups?
To maintain the crispness of your cookie cups, store the unfilled baked cups at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with a clean kitchen towel. Once filled with lemon curd and topped with meringue, refrigerate them for no longer than 3 days to keep their flavors fresh and delightful.

Can I freeze my Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfilled cookie cups. Place them in an airtight container, and they will maintain quality for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, simply let them thaw at room temperature before filling them with lemon curd and topping them with meringue. This way, you’ll always have a delicious treat at hand!

My meringue weeps after baking; how can I fix it?
Very! If your meringue weeps after baking, it’s most likely due to excess moisture. To prevent this, ensure that your mixing bowls and beaters are completely grease-free (any fat can hinder the egg whites from having stability). Also, make sure to whip the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks. If you notice your meringue sweating, you can give it another quick whip or serve it right after it has been made to enjoy its best texture.

Are Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups safe for those with egg allergies?
Mmm, this is an important consideration! Unfortunately, since the recipe includes both egg yolks and egg whites, it’s not suitable for those with egg allergies. However, you could explore using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a meringue substitute. It can mimic the texture quite well and is a great alternative for those avoiding eggs!