Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
These Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, thick, and lightly chewy with bright lemon flavor in every bite. Made with fresh lemon juice and extract, then topped with creamy lemon buttercream frosting, they’re a fresh twist on classic sugar cookie bars — perfect for spring gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you want an easy citrus dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27-29 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup + 2 TBSP granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp lemon extract
- 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp fresh lemon zest (optional but recommended)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Frosting
- 1/2 batch Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, Lemon Buttercream, Cream Cheese Frosting, or other frosting of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Press dough evenly into prepared baking pan. Use clean hands or a spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
- Bake for 27–29 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and center is just set. Do not overbake.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Spread Lemon Buttercream Frosting evenly over cooled bars. Slice and serve.
Notes
-
For a milder lemon flavor, decrease lemon zest to 1 tsp.
-
Do not rely on lemon juice alone — the lemon extract ensures stable, bright flavor after baking.
-
For clean slices, chill frosted bars 20–30 minutes before cutting.
-
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/lemon-sugar-cookie-bars/