These Easy Lemon Tarts are a delightful treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your lemon cravings. With only three ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they are the perfect quick dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a party or a cozy night at home, these tarts deliver bright, zesty flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With just three ingredients, you can whip up these easy lemon tarts in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just because you want something sweet.
• Bright Flavor: The combination of sugar cookie crust and tangy lemon curd makes for a refreshing dessert.
• Customizable Toppings: Add fresh fruit like berries to enhance the presentation and taste.
• Make Ahead Option: These tarts store well in the fridge, making them great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your easy lemon tarts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini muffin pans
• Cooking spray (with flour)
• Mixing bowl (if using homemade dough)
• Butter knife (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini muffin pans: These are essential for creating the perfect tart shape.
• Cooking spray: Prevents the tarts from sticking and ensures easy removal from the pan.
• Butter knife: Helpful for gently lifting out any stubborn tarts without breaking them.

Ingredients

These easy lemon tarts only have 3 ingredients and they’re done in under 30 minutes. The perfect quick dessert for any party or any time a lemon craving hits.

For the Crust

• 1 16 ounce package sugar cookie dough (I used the Pillsbury break apart kind, but you can also use the roll) OR 1 recipe of your favorite prepared sugar cookie dough

For the Filling

• 1 about 8-10 ounces jar lemon curd

For Garnish (optional)

• Fresh fruit for topping (such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries)

this recipe

How to Make Easy Lemon Tarts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your tarts bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pans

Spray mini muffin pans with cooking spray that has flour in it to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Dough

If using break apart sugar cookie dough:
1. Break apart each square.
2. Roll into a ball.
3. Press into the bottom and up the sides of each cavity of the mini muffin pan.

If using a roll of cookie dough:
1. Use tablespoon-sized balls.
2. Follow the same pressing method as above.

Step 4: Bake the Tarts

Bake cookie tarts for about 10 minutes, until they just start to turn golden around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Remove from Pans

Allow to cool before carefully removing them from the pans. They should pop out easily if you’ve sprayed them well. If needed, use a butter knife to help lift them out.

Step 6: Fill with Lemon Curd

Fill cooled cookies with lemon curd generously.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Top with fresh fruit such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries if desired.

Step 8: Serve or Store

Serve immediately or store loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy your delicious Easy Lemon Tarts!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Tarts

These easy lemon tarts are delightful treats that can be served in various ways to impress your guests. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, here are some serving suggestions that will enhance the experience.

Individual Mini Tarts

• Serve each tart on a small dessert plate for an elegant touch.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top the tarts with mint leaves or basil for a refreshing contrast to the lemon flavor.
• The herbs add an aromatic element that enhances the dessert’s appeal.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Serve warm lemon tarts alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.
• The cold ice cream balances the tartness and adds creaminess.

Use Decorative Plates

• Present the tarts on colorful platters or decorative dessert stands.
• A beautiful presentation elevates the overall dining experience.

Create a Tasting Menu

• Include these tarts as part of a multi-course meal featuring other light desserts.
• This allows guests to savor a variety of flavors while keeping things light.

How to Perfect Easy Lemon Tarts

To ensure your easy lemon tarts turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh lemon curd and high-quality sugar cookie dough for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookie tarts while baking to prevent them from becoming too hard.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cups to cool fully before adding lemon curd to maintain their texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try different fruit toppings like kiwi or mango for unique flavor combinations.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie cups in advance and fill them right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover tarts loosely covered in the refrigerator to maintain their taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Lemon Tarts

Serving side dishes alongside your easy lemon tarts can create a well-rounded dessert spread. Here are some complementary options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh seasonal fruits adds color and freshness, balancing the tart flavors.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse offers a decadent contrast to the bright lemon taste.
3. Cheesecake Bites: Small bites of cheesecake provide creamy indulgence that pairs well with citrus desserts.
4. Panna Cotta: This smooth Italian dessert complements lemon tarts beautifully with its creamy texture.
5. Lemon Sorbet: For citrus lovers, serve lemon sorbet as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
6. Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti can add texture and are perfect for dipping into coffee or tea after enjoying the tarts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Lemon Tarts, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can spoil your dessert. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Not Greasing the Pan Properly: Failing to spray the muffin pans can lead to sticking. Make sure to use a cooking spray with flour for easy release.

• Overbaking the Cookie Shells: Baking too long will result in hard tarts. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they just start to turn golden.

• Ignoring Cooling Time: Filling warm cookie shells with lemon curd can make it runny. Always let the tarts cool completely before adding the lemon curd.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your Easy Lemon Tarts depends on quality ingredients. Opt for fresh lemon curd and good sugar cookie dough for the best taste.

• Skipping Fresh Fruit Toppings: This is an opportunity to enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t skip adding fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries on top!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Easy Lemon Tarts in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Lemon Tarts

• Freeze unfilled cookie shells for up to 2 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag for storage.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before filling with lemon curd.

Reheating Easy Lemon Tarts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until slightly warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual tarts on low for about 10-15 seconds for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy Lemon Tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie shells ahead and fill them with lemon curd right before serving. This keeps them fresh.

What other flavors can I use besides lemon?

You can experiment with lime curd or other fruit curds if you’re looking for alternatives to traditional Easy Lemon Tarts.

How do I know when the cookie shells are done?

The edges should be lightly golden, indicating they are baked but still soft enough to hold their shape when cooled.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

Absolutely! Using your favorite recipe for sugar cookie dough enhances flavor and allows customization of your Easy Lemon Tarts.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Lemon Tarts are not only quick and simple but also versatile enough to adapt to various occasions. Whether you customize them with different fruit toppings or alternative flavors, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Give it a try, and enjoy a refreshing dessert that satisfies any lemon craving!

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Easy Lemon Tarts

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Easy Lemon Tarts, a perfect dessert that combines simplicity with vibrant flavors. With just three ingredients, these tarts can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy evening at home. The sweet sugar cookie crust pairs beautifully with tangy lemon curd, creating an irresistible treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your lemon cravings. For added flair, consider topping your tarts with fresh berries or mint leaves, enhancing both their taste and presentation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (16 ounces) sugar cookie dough
• About 8–10 ounces lemon curd
• Fresh fruit for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Spray mini muffin pans with cooking spray.
3. Shape the cookie dough into balls and press into the muffin pan cavities.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Allow to cool before removing from pans.
6. Fill each cooled tart shell with lemon curd.
7. Garnish with fresh fruit if desired and serve.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tart (30g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid overbaking the cookie shells to keep them soft. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.