Bright, soft, and buttery cookie bars infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with a light citrus sweetness for a simple dessert that melts in every bite.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20–22 min
Total: 30–32 min
Ingredients
For the cookie bars
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
For the topping
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp lemon zest
Instructions
Mix the wet ingredients
Whisk together melted butter, sugar, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add the dry ingredients
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms. The texture should be thick but spreadable.
Spread in the pan
Press the dough evenly into a lined 8×8 baking pan. Mix the sugar and lemon zest for the topping, then sprinkle it across the surface.
Bake until just set
Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft. Let cool completely before slicing for clean bars.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: ~210
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 0.5g
Quick Facts
• Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Fresh citrus flavor
• Simple ingredients
• Perfect for spring or summer
Tips
For a softer texture, remove the bars from the oven as soon as the center is set. Slight underbaking keeps them tender and prevents dryness.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest directly into the dough. It enhances the aroma without changing the structure.
To cut perfect squares, let the bars cool fully, then dip your knife in hot water before each slice. This prevents sticking and gives you bakery-style edges.
To cut perfect squares, let the bars cool fully, then dip your knife in hot water before each slice. This prevents sticking and gives you bakery-style edges, especially helpful when working with lemon-based bars like these classic citrus lemon bars.
Variations
Glazed Lemon Drizzle
Whisk powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled bars for an extra sweet and tangy finish.
Berry Lemon Bars
Fold a small handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries into the dough for pops of color and natural fruity bursts.
Vanilla Cream Topping
Spread a thin layer of whipped vanilla yogurt over chilled bars for a lighter, creamy twist that balances the citrus.
Spread a thin layer of whipped vanilla yogurt over chilled bars for a lighter, creamy twist that balances the citrus. A similar balance of fruity and soft texture you’d find in this strawberry snowball mochi dessert.