Description
These delightful Shortbread Cookie Cups are buttery, tender mini tarts perfect for filling with chocolate ganache, lemon curd, jam, or whipped cream. Easy to prepare and bake, they make for an elegant bite-sized treat ideal for parties or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Cups
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Fillings
- Chocolate ganache
- Lemon curd
- Jam
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure easy removal of the cookie cups after baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Form Cookie Cups: Scoop about one tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup. Use your thumb or a tart tamper to press the dough down firmly and shape it into a shallow cup. Prick the bottoms of each cup with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Reshape if Necessary: Remove the cookie cups from the oven and, while they’re still warm, gently reshape the centers using the back of a spoon if needed.
- Cool: Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding any fillings.
- Fill and Serve: Once fully cooled, fill each cup with your choice of chocolate ganache, lemon curd, jam, or whipped cream. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Cookie cups can be prepared ahead of time and stored unfilled in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, store unfilled cookie cups in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Be gentle when reshaping the centers after baking to avoid breaking the cups.
- Ensure the dough is chilled slightly if too soft to help in shaping the cups more easily.
