If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly balances tangy brightness with buttery richness, then this Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These bars combine creamy lemon zest and juice with a tender cookie base that’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold every luscious bite. Whether you want a sweet treat for a weekend gathering or a sunshine-infused snack to brighten up your day, these lemon cookie bars deliver that dreamy citrus flavor wrapped in a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe. From the richness of butter and cream cheese to the fresh zing of lemon zest and juice, every component adds something special to the flavor, texture, and overall experience.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich and tender base that keeps the bars moist and flavorful.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a subtle tang and creamy texture that makes the cookie bars unbelievably smooth.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter evenly while helping create a slightly crisp exterior.
- Eggs (2 + 1 egg white): Acts as a binder and contributes to the soft, chewy texture.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp + 1 tbsp + 2 tsp): Delivers that fresh citrus punch, both in the batter and the glaze.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor depth, balancing the tartness beautifully.
- Flour (3 cups, unbleached): Forms the sturdy yet tender framework of the cookie bars.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft crumb.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works alongside baking powder to keep the texture light and airy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances all the sweet and tart flavors perfectly.
- Lemon zest (2 tsp + extra for garnish): Packs a concentrated lemon flavor that brightens every bite.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Used to make the luscious glaze that tops the bars.
How to Make Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures easy removal later and even baking, setting the stage for those perfect Lemon Cookie Bars.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
Next, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, making the batter light and the bars tender.
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla
Mix in the two eggs plus one egg white, followed by the lemon juice and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and rich flavor to your batter, kicking off the fresh lemon profile that these bars are famous for.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring slowly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft, not tough.
Step 5: Fold in Lemon Zest
Carefully fold in the lemon zest—this step packs your bars with intense lemon aroma and a subtle burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Batter
Pour the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out smooth. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Sometimes, adding an extra two minutes ensures a perfectly baked, not underdone texture.
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Once baked, allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes in the pan. Then, using the parchment paper edges, lift the bars out onto a cooling rack to cool completely—this helps prevent sogginess once the glaze goes on.
Step 8: Make the Glaze and Finish
Prepare a bright glaze from powdered sugar and lemon juice, then cut the cooled bars into pieces before drizzling the glaze over the top. Finish by dusting with extra powdered sugar and garnishing with more lemon zest if desired.
How to Serve Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest not only adds a pop of color but boosts that gorgeous citrus aroma right before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate their visual appeal and add a delicate sweetness contrast.
Side Dishes
These lemon bars are so flavorful that they shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch table, fresh berries or a cup of fragrant herbal tea make delightful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the bars on a beautiful platter with edible flowers or arrange them inside small decorative boxes for gifts. You can also serve them with a drizzle of honey or a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Lemon Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents the bars from drying out, preserving their moist, tender texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Warm leftover bars gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to revive their soft texture. Be careful not to overheat, or the glaze can become too sticky and sugary.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best because it has a brighter, fresher flavor essential to the Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe. However, if you only have bottled juice, make sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no added sugars or preservatives for the best result.
Can I substitute cream cheese with sour cream?
Sour cream can add moisture and tang but lacks the firmness cream cheese provides. Using cream cheese is ideal to achieve the right texture and flavor balance in these bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix. Just keep in mind some adjustments in texture may occur, so watch the baking time closely and test with a toothpick.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the bars remain fresh for about 3 days. Refrigerating them can extend freshness up to a week, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I double this Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and spread the batter in two pans or a larger pan. Adjust baking time slightly and keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick tester.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the cheerful zing of a homemade Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe to brighten your day or impress your guests. Once you try these buttery, lemony bars, you’ll keep coming back for more. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with one of your new favorite treats!
Print
Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully tangy and sweet, these Lemon Cookie Bars combine a rich buttery base with a creamy lemon glaze for a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. Soft and chewy with a bright citrus zing, they are easy to prepare and bake in a single 9×13 pan.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 whole eggs + 1 egg white
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups unbleached flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon zest
Glaze and Garnish
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice + 2 tsp lemon juice
- Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and light in color, providing a creamy base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the two whole eggs and one egg white along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix carefully until fully incorporated to form a thick dough.
- Fold in Lemon Zest: Gently fold in 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to brighten the flavor with fresh citrus notes without overmixing.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Add up to 2 extra minutes if needed.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool for 30 minutes in the pan. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely for an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze and Finish: Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice to form a smooth glaze. Cut the cooled cookie bars into 15 pieces, drizzle the glaze evenly over the bars, and optionally garnish with extra lemon zest. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overbake to retain moistness and tenderness in the bars.
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice for the best lemon flavor.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
