Easy Lemon Tarts

These Easy Lemon Tarts are a delightful treat that can be whipped up in no time. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a quick and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. Their bright lemon flavor combined with a cookie crust makes them stand out, ensuring they’ll satisfy your sweet cravings without much hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only three ingredients, these tarts come together in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or weekday treats; they fit any occasion.
• Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon curd provides a burst of citrusy goodness that everyone will enjoy.
• Customizable Toppings: Add fresh fruit like berries for an extra touch and visual appeal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These tarts are sure to impress friends and family, making them a favorite among guests.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these easy lemon tarts effectively, some essential tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini muffin pans
• Cooking spray with flour
• Mixing bowl (optional)
• Butter knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini muffin pans: These are essential for creating the perfect tart shape that holds the lemon curd beautifully.
• Cooking spray with flour: Ensures easy release of the tarts from the pans, preventing any breakage.
• Butter knife: Helpful for gently releasing tarts from the pan if they stick.

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 Tart Shells

• 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

Optional Toppings

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

How to Make Easy Lemon Tarts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray mini muffin pans with cooking spray that has flour in it to ensure easy removal of your tarts later.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough

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

If using rolled cookie dough:
1. Use tablespoon-sized balls instead and follow the same pressing method as above.

Step 3: Bake the Tart Shells

Bake cookie tarts for about 10 minutes. They should turn golden around the edges but remain soft inside. Once baked, let them cool before carefully removing them from the pans.

Step 4: Fill with Lemon Curd

Once your tart shells are completely cooled, fill each one with lemon curd. Top with fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries if desired.

Storage Instructions

Store your easy lemon tarts loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy this refreshing dessert anytime!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Tarts

These easy lemon tarts are delightful treats that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying them at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Berries: Top each tart with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Mint Leaves: Add a sprig of mint on top for a refreshing touch and added aroma.

Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and sweetness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding a hint of vanilla or lemon zest to the whipped cream for an interesting twist.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Dark Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm dark chocolate over the tarts before serving for a rich contrast to the tart lemon flavor.
• White Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle white chocolate shavings on top for an elegant presentation and sweet balance.

Mini Dessert Platter

• Assorted Treats: Arrange your lemon tarts alongside other mini desserts like brownies or fruit cups for an eye-catching dessert spread.

How to Perfect Easy Lemon Tarts

Creating the perfect easy lemon tarts requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tarts turn out delicious every time.

• Use Chilled Ingredients: Start with cold cookie dough for easier handling and better texture after baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tarts while baking; they should be golden but not overdone to retain their softness.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cups to cool completely before filling them with lemon curd to prevent it from becoming runny.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings; try different fruits or even edible flowers for visual appeal.
• Serve Fresh: For the best taste, serve the tarts soon after preparing them, although they can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Lemon Tarts

Pairing side dishes with your easy lemon tarts can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the tarts.
2. Lemon Sorbet – This refreshing frozen treat complements the citrus flavors beautifully.
3. Mini Cheesecakes – Individual cheesecakes provide a creamy contrast while keeping with the dessert theme.
4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries – These sweet bites offer a luscious pairing that guests will love.
5. Pavlova Bites – Light and airy meringues filled with whipped cream and fruit make an elegant addition.
6. Coconut Macaroons – Chewy macaroons provide a delightful texture contrast to the smooth lemon curd.
7. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream serves as a classic accompaniment that everyone enjoys.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Lemon Tarts, even simple recipes can lead to mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not Prepping the Pans Properly: If you skip spraying the mini muffin pans with cooking spray, your tarts might stick. Always ensure the pans are well-greased to make removal easy.
• Overbaking the Cookie Shells: Baking the cookie shells for too long can make them hard and dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they turn golden around the edges.
• Skipping Cooling Time: Filling warm cookie shells with lemon curd can cause it to melt or run. Allow your cookie cups to cool completely before adding any filling.
• Using Too Much Lemon Curd: Overfilling the tarts can lead to messy servings. Fill them just enough to let each tart hold its shape without overflowing.
• Neglecting Fresh Fruit Toppings: While optional, fresh fruit adds flavor and color. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall presentation and taste of your Easy Lemon Tarts.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they are loosely covered to keep from getting soggy.

Freezing Easy Lemon Tarts

• Freeze tarts without lemon curd for up to 2 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.

Reheating Easy Lemon Tarts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: For a quick reheat, place on a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy Lemon Tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie shells in advance and fill them with lemon curd right before serving.

What other flavors can I use instead of lemon?

Feel free to experiment with lime or orange curd for a different citrus twist on these Easy Lemon Tarts!

How do I know when my cookie shells are done?

The edges should be lightly golden, indicating they are baked but still soft inside.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough is a great way to customize these Easy Lemon Tarts.

What fruits pair well with lemon tarts?

Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries complement the tartness of lemon beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Lemon Tarts are not only quick and simple but also versatile. You can customize them with various fruit toppings or try different flavors of curd. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party or a casual dessert craving. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how delightful and refreshing they are!

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Easy Lemon Tarts

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Easy Lemon Tarts are a delightful and refreshing dessert that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. With just three simple ingredients, these mini tarts feature a crispy cookie shell filled with luscious lemon curd, making them perfect for any gathering or casual treat. Their vibrant citrus flavor combined with customizable toppings like fresh berries will make these tarts a hit with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these Easy Lemon Tarts are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings effortlessly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (16 ounces) sugar cookie dough
• 1 jar (8-10 ounces) lemon curd
• Fresh fruit for topping (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray mini muffin pans with cooking spray.
2. If using break-apart cookie dough, separate into squares, roll into balls, and press into the muffin pan cavities. For rolled dough, use tablespoon-sized balls and follow the same pressing method.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft inside. Let cool completely before removing from pans.
4. Fill cooled tart shells with lemon curd and top with fresh fruit if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tart (35g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg