Description
Lemon bar cookies combine the buttery richness of shortbread with a tangy, creamy lemon topping. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for citrus lovers and great for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Topping:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into the baking dish.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
2. Make the Lemon Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar and flour.
- Add eggs, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest until combined.
- Pour lemon mixture over the warm cookie base.
3. Bake and Cool
- Return dish to oven and bake for 18–22 minutes until topping is set.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
- Lift out using parchment paper, cut into squares, and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Tangy: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest for more citrus flavor.
- Lemon-Lime Twist: Use half lemon juice and half lime juice.
- Coconut Infusion: Stir shredded coconut into the topping.
- Almond Touch: Use almond extract instead of vanilla in the base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon bar cookies, lemon dessert recipe, tangy lemon bars, easy lemon cookie bars, citrus dessert