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Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
Press the dough into mini muffin tins, trimming any excess around the edges. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
Line the shells with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10–12 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 8–10 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture.
Allow the filling to cool slightly before pouring it into the prepared pastry shells.
Step 3: Chill and Garnish
Fill each cooled pastry shell with the lemon curd, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Refrigerate the tarts for at least 2 hours—or overnight—to allow the filling to set.
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices or edible flowers if desired.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Lemons : Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same vibrant flavor as freshly squeezed lemons.
Don’t Overbake the Crust : Keep an eye on the pastry shells to ensure they don’t burn while blind-baking.
Chill Thoroughly : Allowing the tarts to chill helps the filling firm up and creates a cleaner cut when serving.
Add Extra Zing : Sprinkle a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom into the filling for a warm spice contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These mini lemon tarts are versatile enough to fit any occasion:
Brunch Treats : Serve alongside croissants and fruit salad for a delightful morning spread.
Dessert Buffet Stars : Place them on a decorative tray with other mini pastries for variety.
Afternoon Tea Delights : Pair with scones and clotted cream for a classic tea-time experience.
Final Thoughts
One bite of these mini lemon tarts , and you’ll understand why they’re considered dangerously addicting. Their perfect balance of sweetness and acidity makes them impossible to eat just one—and trust us, nobody will judge you for going back for seconds (or thirds)!
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to fall in love with these sunshine-filled bites. Let us know how yours turn out by sharing photos or comments below. Happy baking, and happy snacking! 🍋💖
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