Mini Lemon Tartlets

Name: Mini Lemon Tartlets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 tartlets
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg yolk; 2-3 tablespoons cold water; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Daily Kitchen

I absolutely love making Mini Lemon Tartlets for any gathering or just to enjoy at home. These delightful tartlets have a buttery, flaky crust and a zesty lemon filling that brightens any occasion. The balance of sweet and tart is a favorite among family and friends. Making these tartlets is quite simple, and they can be prepared in advance, making them a go-to choice for parties or weekend treats. Plus, their adorable size adds a charming appeal to any dessert table, which is always a hit!

Created by

Elara Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:01:34.793Z

When I first made Mini Lemon Tartlets, I was amazed by how much flavor could be packed into such small pastries. The buttery crust is tender yet holds its shape perfectly, providing a lovely contrast to the creamy lemon filling. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to chill the dough before baking; this helps prevent shrinking and ensures a crisp finish.

I also discovered that using fresh lemon juice really enhances the tartness and brightness of the filling. Each bite is a burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Why You Will Love These Tartlets
Bright, zesty lemon flavor that’s perfectly balanced
Buttery crust that melts in your mouth
Adorable bite-sized sweets perfect for any occasion

Perfecting the Crust

To achieve an ideal flaky crust, it's essential to keep your butter cold until it's mixed in. This helps create those sought-after layers that melt in your mouth. When mixing the butter with the flour and sugar, use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work quickly, ensuring you stop when the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique will give you a beautifully tender crust that contrasts nicely with the zesty filling.

After rolling out the dough, lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking and ensure an even thickness. Press the dough into the mini tartlet pans with your fingers, carefully ensuring that it covers the edges well. If you find the dough too soft to handle, let it chill in the fridge for an additional 10 minutes before pressing it into the molds.

Mastering the Filling

The filling is where the magic happens—using the freshest ingredients is key. Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor that store-bought juice simply can’t match. When mixing the filling, make sure to whisk the sugar and eggs until well combined and slightly frothy, which will give the filling a smooth consistency and promote even cooking during baking.

Once you pour the filling into the tartlet shells, keep an eye on them as they bake. You want the edges to set while leaving the center slightly jiggly, as the filling will continue to firm up as it cools. This creates a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the flaky crust. If you have a thermometer handy, aim for a temperature of about 170°F (77°C) at which point the filling is perfectly set.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Mini Lemon Tartlets:

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup heavy cream
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Mini Lemon Tartlets:

Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add diced butter and blend until crumbly. Stir in egg yolk and enough cold water to form a dough. Chill for 15 minutes, then roll out and fit into mini tartlet pans.

Bake the Crust

Blind bake the tartlet shells for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth.

Fill the Tartlets

Pour the filling into the cooled tartlet shells, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges.

Cool and Serve

Allow the tartlets to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy these delightful treats!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor twist, try adding a hint of vanilla to the filling or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Preparation Tips

When preparing the crust, consider making a double batch to freeze one for later use. Simply wrap the formed dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight and roll it out as you normally would.

If you're short on time, you can use pre-made tartlet shells instead. Just ensure they're of a similar size to those specified in the recipe and adjust the baking time accordingly. This will save you time without sacrificing too much on flavor or texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful presentation, consider garnishing each tartlet with a small dollop of whipped cream and a twist of lemon zest before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but also a rich creaminess to balance the tartness of the lemon filling.

Mini Lemon Tartlets can be served at various temperatures—chilled enhances the refreshing flavor, while room temperature allows the buttery crust to shine. Regardless of how you serve them, they’re perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or as a sweet end to any meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the tartlet shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crusts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until you're ready to fill them.

→ What can I substitute for fresh lemon juice?

If fresh lemon juice isn’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice, though fresh will give you the best flavor.

→ How do I store leftover tartlets?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days for the best flavor and texture.

→ Can I freeze the tartlets?

Yes, you can freeze the baked tartlets without the filling. Just thaw and fill them before serving!