Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

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Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Soft and chewy, these bars melt in your mouth while their bright lemon essence adds a refreshing zing. The combination of butter and sugar creates a rich base, making each bite a delicious experience. You won’t just enjoy these during the sunny days of summer; they’re perfect all year round!

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
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I first made these Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars for a family gathering, and the response was truly heartwarming. Watching the smiles on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite was all the encouragement I needed to keep this recipe in my rotation. Whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or just a cozy evening at home, these bars are bound to bring joy. I can’t wait for you to try this easy, crowd-pleasing treat!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Whip these bars up in just about 25 minutes, from prep to bake!
  • Irresistible Flavor: Experience a blend of buttery sweetness complemented by zesty lemon.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: Their bright yellow color and smooth frosting make these bars visually delightful.
  • Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to party desserts.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modify this recipe to suit various dietary needs with a few simple switches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your bars. Ensure it’s leveled off for accuracy.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the bars rise slightly, creating a soft texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the soft texture.
  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): This rich ingredient creates a moist and chewy base; make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
  • 2 large eggs: These provide structure and moisture; using room temperature eggs ensures better incorporation.
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract: Enhances the lemon flavor; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): For the frosting, this ensures a creamy texture.
  • 5 cups powdered sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth frosting; sift before measuring for the best results.
  • 1/4 cup milk: Adds fluffiness to the frosting; use whole milk for creaminess.
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract (for frosting): A kick of lemon to complement the bars excellently.
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness of the frosting.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon table salt until well combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, cream together 14 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Lemon Extract: Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of lemon extract until evenly incorporated.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
  6. Spread in Pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick should come out clean.
  8. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 5 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 2 teaspoons lemon extract, and 1/8 teaspoon table salt until smooth and creamy.
  10. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  11. Slice and Serve: Cut into 24 squares and enjoy your Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, ensure they are well-wrapped and kept in an airtight container; they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure both the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and incorporation.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking, as overbaking can lead to a dry texture. They should be set but soft in the middle.
  • Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Lemon Zest: For an extra lemon punch, consider adding the zest of one lemon to the batter or frosting.
  • Make-Ahead Options: The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before baking.

Bright, cheerful, and tantalizingly sweet, Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars combine buttery goodness with a zesty kick that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat your family, or simply indulge a sweet tooth, this recipe checks all the boxes. As you experiment with flavors and share these bars with friends, you’ll find your own favorite variations emerge. Enjoy every moment of the baking process, and don’t forget to savor each delicious bite!

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Recipe FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

Yes, you can substitute bottled lemon juice for lemon extract, but keep in mind that the flavor might not be as concentrated. Add the juice gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your desired lemony flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

What can I do if my frosting is too sweet?

If you find the frosting too sweet for your taste, a pinch of salt can help cut the sweetness. You can also add a bit more milk if you want to thin it out and balance the flavors.
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Lemon-Sugar-Cookie-Bars-Recipe
Recipe Author: Grace

These Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and zesty lemon flavor. Simple to prepare and great for gatherings, they will impress friends and family alike!

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Print Recipe
  • Prep Time 15 minutes
  • Cook Time 10 minutes
  • Yield 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (300 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt (9 grams)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (297 grams)
  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (197.75 grams, room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract (9.9 ml)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams, room temperature)
  • 5 cups powdered sugar (567.5 grams)
  • 1/4 cup milk (59 ml or 56.75 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about three to six minutes.
  4. Mix in the eggs one at a time. Once combined, add the lemon extract and mix well.
  5. Add the flour mixture slowly, mixing on low until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
  6. Press the thick batter into the prepared baking dish. Use cooking spray or wet hands to help with the stickiness.
  7. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Let cool for one hour.
  8. For the frosting, beat the butter and gradually add one cup of powdered sugar, scraping the bowl as needed.
  9. Mix in the milk and lemon extract, then add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. Stir in salt.
  10. Spread the frosting on the cooled bars using an offset spatula.
  11. Cut the bars into 24 equal squares.

Notes

Using an aluminum baking dish helps achieve even baking.
For more lemon flavor, feel free to add extra lemon zest to the batter or frosting.
Ensure the bars are completely cooled before adding the frosting for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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