Description

These Lemon Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining a soft, buttery lemon-infused base with a smooth, tangy lemon frosting. Perfectly sweet and zesty, they bake up with a light golden crust and a moist interior, topped with a luscious lemon glaze that adds a creamy, refreshing finish. Ideal for gatherings, snack time, or any occasion that calls for a bright, flavorful treat.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Frosting

1/2 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla bean paste, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing well. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mixture, stirring slowly until a thick cookie dough batter forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Bake the Cookie Base: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and the top turns a light golden brown. Allow to cool for several minutes.
Prepare the Frosting: While the cookie base cools, prepare the frosting by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla bean paste, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Frost and Serve: Once the cookie bars have cooled sufficiently, spread the lemon frosting generously over the top. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles. Cut into 16-24 squares and serve. Enjoy the refreshing lemon flavor and soft texture!

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest lemon flavor.
Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Adjust frosting thickness to preference by varying milk and powdered sugar amounts.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.