Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
Soft, chewy and bursting with zesty sweet lemon, these sugar cookie bars are absolutely gorgeous. Pair them with afternoon tea or add them to your dessert menu for a cute cookie idea that will wow!
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I need to be honest with you about something. These lemon sugar cookie bars are SERIOUSLY addicting. I ate wayyy too many and I may need to eat a few more. Since the new year, I have been trying to refrain from eating so many of my own baked goods and it has really tested my will power and focus. And I was doing okay… until I met these bars. They are SERIOUSLY addicting. SERIOUSLY. Oh, did I already mention that? I’m sorry, my brain is a little scrambled because all I can think about is how I want another one! Is there a support group for this?? I need HELP!
Why you’ll love lemon sugar cookie bars
Aside from their addicting nature (I’m not sure if that is a positive or a negative), I think you will find that these cookies are stunning to look at. They are very aesthetic and appealing considering how they only take about 10 minutes to mix up and about 25 minutes to bake. No need to roll out dough and use time consuming cookie cutters, no need to mix up frosting and spread it over each cookie. Plus you can make them all in one bowl so less dishes!
They are soft and chewy, and the lemon zest mixed into the dough and sprinkled with sugar on top make them punchy and bright. I think they might be the best lemon sugar cookie bars? No, they are and I’m sure of it.
Recipe Tips for the best lemon sugar cookie bars
Do not skip the lemon zest. This step is very important if you want the lemon flavor to really stand out. The lemon zest holds the most concentrated flavor, please take advantage.
Do not over bake them. The key to a soft and chewy cookie is to pull them out of the oven as soon as they puff up in the center and turn light golden brown around the edges. The same is true for cookie bars. This is not a secret, but it makes a HUGE difference in the texture of your cookie, and I think it also makes them last a little longer too!
Recipe Variations for lemon sugar cookie bars
Try adding ¼ cup white chocolate chips to make these cookie bars extra good!
Make them vegan - switch out the butter for an oil like coconut oil or grapeseed oil and switch out the egg for 1 teaspoon baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
FAQ
Helpful Kitchen Tools
8 x 8 inch baking dish
Parchment paper
Spatula
Ingredients
Dough
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (melted and slightly cooled)
1 egg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 cup flour
Topping
2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
How to make lemon sugar cookie bars
Preheat oven to 350℉. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper.
Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly.
Make the dough
In a large bowl add granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix until well combined. Mix in the melted butter, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Mix in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add flour and mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Pour the mixture into the parchment lined pan and spread it evenly to each corner.
Make the topping
Mix together the sugar and lemon zest. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the dough.
Bake
Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden brown and the middle puffs up slightly.
Let cool and set in the pan for about 1 hour or until completely cooled.
How to Store
Store lemon sugar cookie bars at room temperature in an air tight container for up to five days, or store in the refrigerator for up to five days. If stored in the refrigerator, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, or pop in the microwave for five to ten seconds to warm to room temperature.
You can also freeze lemon sugar cookie bars easily. Just place (fully baked and cooled) in an air tight freezer container and store in the freezer for up to three months. Remove from the freezer and place in the refrigerator 24 hours prior to serving.
More cookie bars, please!
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