Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Published May 31, 2015. Updated March 5, 2020

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Nothing says summer like a refreshing fresh lemon dessert! We all know I’m a sugar cookie addict and yes I’ve already posted a lemon sugar cookie but I’m starting to convert to making sugar cookie bars more often because they are easier and they don’t require dough to be chilled, plus they are easier to travel with for parties.

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars | Cooking Classy

These are definitely one of the best sugar cookie bars I’ve ever tasted! They are brimming with vibrant lemon flavor. This isn’t one of those “hmm what’s this flavor I can’t quite put my finger on it?” desserts. With one small little nibble you’ll know they’re lemon. If you are making them for your kids and they don’t love a strong lemon flavor you can cut back on the zest and omit the lemon extract, but for the true lemon lover leave them just as they are. I absolutely love fresh lemon in anything so these were incredibly hard for me to resist, I kept going back and trimming off little piece after little piece the entire day. Not to mention they are so soft and moist. They are Lofthouse style cookies turned lemon sugar cookie bar – and they’re made with real butter none of that margarine (and countless other additives) you’ll find in the Lofthouse cookies.

I’ve already made these twice and I’m sure I’ll make them many more times this summer. I dare say they are my new favorite summer cookie and they will likely become yours too! They’re perfect infusion of lemon flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply dreamy!

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars | Cooking Classy Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars | Cooking ClassyLemon Sugar Cookie Bars | Cooking Classy

16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

5 from 1 vote

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

A delicious sugar cookie recipe made in bar form and flavored with bright lemon. A fun summery treat everyone will enjoy!
Servings: 20
Prep20 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Ready in: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups (297g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Yellow food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  • For the bars:
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 13" x 9" baking dish, set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder and salt for 20 seconds, set aside.
  • Add sugar and lemon zest to the bowl of an electric stand mixer and with your fingertips rub lemon zest with sugar until sugar is slightly yellow and fragrant. Add butter and whip butter and sugar mixture until pale and fluffy. Stir in egg then egg white. Add sour cream, lemon extract and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Slowly add dry mixture and mix just until combined.
  • Spray hands with non-stick cooking spray or rub with butter and gently press mixture into an even layer prepared baking dish. Bake until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and bars are set, about 15 - 16 minutes. Cool completely, then frost add sprinkles and cut into squares.
  • For the frosting:
  • In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter until light and fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice and mix until light an fluffy. Tint with food coloring if desired.
  • *You want the butter to still be cool, this is so the dough isn't too warm and sticky to work with when pressing into the baking dish.
  • Recipe source: Cooking Classy
Nutrition Facts
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 262 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 36mg12%
Sodium 67mg3%
Potassium 62mg2%
Carbohydrates 39g13%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 25g28%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 338IU7%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 25mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.
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