why make this recipe
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for those who love a refreshing, zesty flavor. These bars combine the sweetness of sugar with the bright taste of lemon, creating a delightful dessert that is easy to make and share. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want something sweet at home, these cookie bars are a fantastic choice. They are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy lemon frosting, making each bite a burst of citrus delight.
how to make Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the bars are cooling, beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the lemon frosting on top.
- Cut into squares and serve.
how to serve Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
These Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. They make a great snack or dessert option for any meal. You can plate them nicely with a garnish of lemon slices or zest for an extra touch. They also pair well with tea or lemonade for a refreshing treat.
how to store Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
To keep your Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they will last up to three months in the freezer.
tips to make Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to ensure the bars stay soft and chewy.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or juice in both the cookie bars and the frosting.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting for a smooth application.
variation
You can customize these cookie bars by adding poppy seeds to the batter for a classic lemon-poppyseed flavor. Another option is to add a layer of fruit preserves or jam on top of the cookie layer before adding the frosting.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Always check that the other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I make these bars without the frosting?
A: Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own, and you can skip the frosting if you prefer a lighter treat.
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest For stronger lemon flavor, consider increasing the lemon zest.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the bars are cooling, beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the lemon frosting on top.
- Cut into squares and serve.