Description
These irresistible Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are perfectly soft and chewy with citrus flavor in every bite. Made with simple ingredients and in less than an hour, these cookie bars are perfect for when you want something quick but still homemade and impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon Cookie Bars
- 217 g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 113 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temp
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temp
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 56 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, room temp
- 56 g (2 ounces) cream cheese, room temp
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 220 g (2 cups) powdered sugar
- Fresh lemon juice, as needed
Instructions
Lemon Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/177°C. Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper so that it hangs over the sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- With the mixer on medium-low speed, stream in the oil and mix until combined.
- Add the egg, yolk, and vanilla and mix together then mix in the lemon juice.
- On low speed, add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spread the cookie dough in the prepared pan and bake the bars for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. You’ll want the middles to still be soft.
- Set the hot pan on a wire rack to cool.
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and lemon zest on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until completely incorporated.
- Add lemon juice for a spreadable consistency, as needed. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the completely cooled bars.
Notes
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Brownies & Bars
- Method: Baking