The lemon curd pairs perfectly with the crumbly soft cookie and lightly sweetened cream. Great party dessert! @natashaskitchen

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These aren’t your average tartlets. They are Russian Korzinki. The crust is crumbly, soft and cookie-like. The lemon curd is so smooth and flavorful and pairs beautifully with the lightly sweetened cream.

I took these to my sisters houses (sharing is my sneaky diet plan) and the tarlets were a hit across the board. P.S. You don’t need any special tartlet pans; a mini muffin/mini cupcake pan will do just fine!

The first korzinki recipe I posted was nearly 4 years ago and the recipe made 108 cookies. The cookies were well loved by my readers over the years. Quite a few of you have share shared on Instagram and Facebook that you’ve made them for baby showers and parties. I have received several questions about making a smaller batch.

I figured some of you would appreciate if I scaled down the recipe a bit (36 cookies is much more reasonable), and jazzed it up with a new and scrumptious filling. Make these cookies for your next party – they are fantastic!

The lemon curd pairs perfectly with the crumbly soft cookie and lightly sweetened cream. Great party dessert! @natashaskitchen

Ingredients for Korzinki:

1 large egg, at room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
5 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
1/8 tsp (a generous pinch) baking soda 
1 Tbsp real mayonnaise
1 1/3 cups+ 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour *measured correctly

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-3

Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Curd:

3 large eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp grated lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
1/2 scant cup (just under 1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Pinch of Salt

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream

Ingredients for Korzinki Frosting:

1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
2 Tbsp confectioners (powdered) sugar
1/2 tsp real vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

Raspberry, mint or basil leaves

You will need:

A mini muffin pan (I used three 12-count pans and baked them all at once; quick & easy!)


How to Make Lemon Curd:

(start with the lemon curd since it needs time to cool)
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together until smooth: 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, pinch of salt and grated lemon zest (make sure you only get the zest and not the white pith).

2. Whisk in 1/2 scant cup strained lemon juice, then add 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) of butter pieces. Place pot over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly until butter is melted and the mixture is thickened. Bring to a gentle simmer for a few seconds then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Let cool to room temp, then cover and refrigerate to thicken fully. This recipe lasts up to a week when refrigerated.

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-8

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-2

How to Make the Tartlet Crusts (Korzinki):

Pre-heat the Oven to 350˚F.
1. In the bowl of your electrix mixer, whisk together 1 egg with 1/3 cup sugar until even consistency.

2. Using the paddle attachment, add 5 1/2 Tbsp softened butter and mix on medium/high speed until creamy (3-5 min)

3. Add baking soda and mayo and mix until well blended.

4. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time and mix until well incorporated. It should be a soft cookie dough consistency when it’s done.

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-9

5. Use your hands to roll dough into gum-ball-sized circles of dough. If it doesn’t roll easily in your hands (i.e. if it’s really sticky) add more flour. I ended up with 36 balls of dough. Place dough into mini-muffin dishes. I used 3 (12-count) pans at a time. If your pans are non-stick, you don’t have to grease them.

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-4

6. Use your fingers to form a well in the dough. Make a deep well since the bottoms rise quite a bit while baking.

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-5

7. Bake at 350˚F for 10 minutes, or until edges are golden. Tip cookies onto a clean towel (mine popped right out with a gentle tap on the counter). Turn cookies right side up to cool to room temperature. They will cool faster on a wire rack.

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-10

How to Make Whipped Cream for Korzinki:

Tips on whipping cream: Freeze or refrigerate your mixing bowl and whisk attachment 10-15 minutes prior to beating cream. Keep cream refrigerated until ready to use. The colder it is, the better it whips. Also, make sure you are using HEAVY whipping cream. 

1. Beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream on high speed until soft peaks form then add 2 Tbsp powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla and continue to beat on high speed until stiff and spreadable (mine took about a minute). Don’t over-beat it or it will be buttery. Refrigerate cream until ready to use.

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-11

Assembly of Korzinki:

1. Spoon the lemon curd over each tartlet crust (about 1 – 1/2 tsp on each one) – you can be generous; you may even have a few tablespoons left over.

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream-6

2. You can spoon on the whipping cream or pipe it on. I used my Wilton 1M open star tip. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, or raspberries if desired and serve! Refrigerate any tartlets that don’t get eaten

The lemon curd pairs perfectly with the crumbly soft cookie and lightly sweetened cream. Great party dessert! @natashaskitchen

The lemon curd pairs perfectly with the crumbly soft cookie and lightly sweetened cream. Great party dessert! @natashaskitchen

Credits: Tartlets, Cream & garnish from Natasha’s Kitchen. Lemon Curd from Joy of Cooking.

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Tartlets with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream (Korzinki)

4.98 from 35 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients 

Servings: 36 tartlets

Tartlet (korzinki) ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 5 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
  • 1/8 tsp a generous pinch baking soda
  • 1 Tbsp real mayonnaise
  • 1 1/3 cups+ 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Lemon Curd Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Grated lemon zest, from 1 medium lemon
  • 1/2 scant cup, just under 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • Pinch salt

Whipped Cream Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
  • 2 Tbsp confectioners, powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp real vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

  • Raspberry, mint or basil leaves

You will need:

  • A mini muffin pan, I used three 12-count pans and baked them all at once

Instructions

How to Make Lemon Curd: (start with the lemon curd since it needs time to cool)

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together until smooth: 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, pinch of salt and grated lemon zest.
  • Whisk in 1/2 cup strained lemon juice, then add 6 Tbsp of butter pieces. Place pot over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly until butter is melted and the mixture is thickened. Bring to a gentle simmer for a few seconds then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Let cool to room temp, then cover and refrigerate to thicken fully. This recipe lasts up to a week when refrigerated.

How to Make the Tartlet Crusts (Korzinki): Pre-heat the Oven to 350 degrees F.

  • In the bowl of your electrix mixer, whisk together 1 egg with 1/3 cup sugar until even consistency.
  • Using the paddle attachment, add 5 1/2 Tbsp softened butter and mix on medium/high speed until creamy (3-5 min)
  • Add 1/8 tsp of baking soda, 1 Tbsp of mayo and mix until well blended.
  • Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time and mix until well incorporated. It should be a soft cookie dough consistency when it's done.
  • Use your hands to roll dough into gum-ball-sized circles of dough. If it doesn't roll easily in your hands (i.e. if it's really sticky) add more flour. I ended up with 36 balls of dough. Place dough into mini-muffin dishes. I used 3 (12-count) pans at a time. If your pans are non-stick, you don't have to grease them.
  • Use your fingers to form a well in the dough. Make a deep well since the bottoms rise quite a bit while baking.
  • Bake at 350˚F for 10 minutes, or until edges are golden. Tip cookies onto a clean towel (mine popped right out with a gentle tap on the counter). Turn cookies right side up to cool to room temperature. They will cool faster on a wire rack.

How to Make Whipped Cream:

  • Beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream on high speed until soft peaks form then add 2 Tbsp powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla and continue to beat on high speed until stiff and spreadable (mine took about a minute). Don’t over-beat it or it will be buttery.
  • Refrigerate cream until ready to use.

Assembling your Tartlets:

  • Spoon the lemon curd over each tartlet crust (about 1 - 1/2 tsp on each one) - you can be generous; you may even have a few Tbsp left over.
  • You can spoon on the whipping cream or pipe it on. I used my Wilton 1M open start tip. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, or raspberries if desired and serve! Refrigerate any tartlets that don't get eaten.

Notes

Tips on whipping cream:
Freeze or refrigerate your mixing bowl and whisk attachment 10-15 minutes prior to beating cream. Keep cream refrigerated until ready to use. The colder it is, the better it whips. Also, make sure you are using HEAVY whipping cream.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Korzinki, Tartlets with Lemon Curd
Skill Level: Medium
Cost to Make: $$

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Comments

  • Anna
    March 27, 2024

    Can the cups be baked ahead of time and frozen? How long would they keep at room temp unfilled/filled?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 27, 2024

      Hi Anna! I haven’t tried freezing them but I think the cookie portion would freeze fine. If they are filled, you should keep them refrigerated because of the curd. They should be consumed within a week (however, they never last that long around here). If they are not filled, you can keep the shells at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days or refrigerate them for longer storage and freshness. They will start to go stale the longer they sit so if you don’t plan on using them within the first couple of days, I would freeze them.

      Reply

  • TricNic
    March 7, 2024

    I have been making this recipe for about 8 years and it is so well received always (mayo is definetly the secret ingredient)
    Was wondering has anyone made the recipe gluten free?
    I am hosting a high tea so need gluten free options

    Reply

  • Fanny
    August 31, 2022

    Hi Natasha
    Thanks for your time and always answer back .
    I made this tartles more then delicios .it was big hit .I did for a practice for my sister’s wedding is coming. I was thinking if can i add others fruits on top like strawberries ,kiwi and little pieces. Personally i like just raspberries but when it rinses in water it’s doesn’t look good.what do you recommend.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 1, 2022

      Hi Fanny, good to know that you liked this recipe! Congratulations on your sister’s wedding and I think this is a good choice. I think that will work but I recommend practicing first before the big day just to be sure.

      Reply

  • Fanny
    June 16, 2022

    Hi Natasha
    Can i use the crust that one is in the store. What brand do you recomend ?
    I want to make for a wedding and i want to skip the time fo make the crust😁.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 16, 2022

      Hi Fanny. I usually make my own crust for the tartlets so I don’t use the store-bought. I’m sure any of them would be fine.

      Reply

  • Natallia
    May 12, 2022

    To make really pretty shells, I used cupcakes liners and filled it with the dough. They need a little more dough on the bottom so it’s not too thin. I brushed the shells with jam and mixed whipping cream with lemon curd. Another way it to add mascaporne cheese. Next time I will used half yolks/half whole eggs for richer yellow color and thicker consistency. Overall, great recipe. ohh I doubled the zest and more lemon juice!! yum!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 12, 2022

      Thanks for the great tips, Natalia. We appreciate it and I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply

  • Ruslana
    March 11, 2022

    Hi Natasha, can I freeze this lemon curd? Thank you for your recipes 😊

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 11, 2022

      Hi, I have not tested this myself but one of our other readers said this… “I make lemon curd often.. and yes I freeze it, perfect!! Some say it freezes for 6 months so I make a large batch and freeze in small containers ready to go il also be making these little tart shells and freezing those as well.”

      Reply

  • Fanny
    November 4, 2021

    Hi Natasha
    Can i use this recipe lemond curd for filling a cake?
    Thanks so much!!

    I love your recipes ❤🤗😋

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 5, 2021

      Hi Fanny, I haven’t tried that myself, If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

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