Description

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars offer an irresistible citrus flavor with a soft and chewy texture. Simple to prepare, these bars are perfect for gatherings and dessert cravings, featuring key ingredients like butter and lemon extract for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (300 grams)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2 grams)
1/2 teaspoon table salt (9 grams)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (297 grams)
14 tablespoons unsalted butter (197.75 grams, room temperature)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons lemon extract (9.9 ml)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams, room temperature)
5 cups powdered sugar (567.5 grams)
1/4 cup milk (59 ml or 56.75 grams)
2 teaspoons lemon extract
1/8 teaspoon table salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-6 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Incorporate lemon extract and mix well, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low until combined. Then mix on high speed just until fully incorporated, avoiding over-mixing.
Press the thick batter into the prepared baking dish using your hands, dampening them if necessary for ease.
Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden brown. Allow to cool for one hour.
For the frosting, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, scraping the bowl as needed.
Mix in milk and lemon extract, then continue adding powdered sugar until you reach desired consistency. Beat in salt.
Spread the frosting evenly on cooled cookie bars using an offset spatula.
Cut into 24 equal squares for serving.

Notes

For a lighter frosting, adjust the powdered sugar based on your taste preferences.
Using fresh lemon juice can enhance the lemon flavor in the bars and frosting.
Ensure the butter is at room temperature for best mixing results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 200
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg