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Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Transport your taste buds to citrus heaven with these soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet lemon cookie bars. For more dessert inspiration, check out our Buttery Coconut Bars Recipe.

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1–2 lemons)
  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch salt (optional, enhances flavor balance)

For Garnish:

 

  • Fresh lemon zest

Instructions

  • Prepare Your Baking Setup: Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or apply a light coating of cooking spray.
  • Mix the Wet Ingredients: Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • Create the Batter: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Stop when everything is just combined.
  • Prepare for Baking: Transfer your batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly throughout.
  • Bake to Perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until you notice light golden edges and a set center.
  • Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool entirely in the pan before proceeding with the glaze.
  • Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  • Final Touches: Pour the glaze over the cooled bars, spreading it evenly. While still wet, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest.

 

  • Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles.
  • Author: Margie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes