These delightful Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are about to become your go-to treat! Imagine biting into a chewy sugar cookie, bursting with zesty lemon flavor and perfectly sweetened. Topped with a silky lemon glaze, these bars are a showstopper that will add a bright touch to any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, a casual get-together, or just want a burst of sunshine in your day, these bars will not disappoint. Share them with others or keep the deliciousness for yourself. Trust me, no one will blame you!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Bright Citrus Taste: The fresh lemon juice and zest create a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor explosion that will invigorate your palate.

Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared a few days in advance, allowing the lemon flavor to deepen and intensify over time.

Visual Appeal: The glossy white glaze and shimmering lemon zest on top create an elegant, bakery-worthy look that is sure to impress.

One-Pan Wonder: This simple recipe requires just one 9×13-inch pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: These are the stars of the show, bringing a vibrant citrus flavor and fruity brightness to the bars.
• Unsalted Butter: This ingredient is essential for achieving a rich, buttery texture that’s irresistibly tender.
• Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the cookie bars and contributes to their delightful chewiness.
• Eggs: Vital for binding the mixture together, they provide moisture and softness to each bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds a lovely warmth enhancing the overall flavor balance.
• All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure needed to hold the bars together beautifully.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the bars rise lightly and maintain a soft, airy texture.
• Salt: A little pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar: This creates a smooth and silky glaze that finishes the bars beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

This straightforward one-pan recipe will have you creating these delicious bars in no time!

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or simply grease it lightly to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then incorporate the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is well-blended.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!

4. Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center has set. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so keep a close eye on them, especially after the 18-minute mark. Let them cool completely in the pan after removing them from the oven.

5. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more lemon juice; if it’s too thin, gradually incorporate more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.

6. Glaze the Bars

Once the lemon cookie bars are completely cool, pour the glaze over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.

7. Garnish and Slice

While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest on top for that extra zing. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before cutting the bars into squares or rectangles.

Tips for the Best Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Keep these handy tips in mind for perfect bars every time!

• Fresh is Best: Always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest for an intense flavor. Bottled lemon juice has a different taste.
• Zest Before Juicing: Zest your lemons before squeezing the juice; it’s much easier to get zest from whole lemons!
• Be Precise: When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense bars.
• Don’t Overbake! Remove the bars from the oven when they’re just lightly golden around the edges and firm in the center. Checking frequently towards the end will help prevent drying out.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar for the perfect spreadable glaze.
• Amp Up the Citrus: For an even bolder citrus flavor, try adding ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough or glaze.
• Optional Glaze: If you prefer not to use the glaze, feel free to sprinkle granulated sugar or coarse sugar directly on the warm bars. A light brush of melted butter can help sugar adhere while adding richness.

How to Store

Use these simple tips to keep your delicious bars fresh and flavorful!

To Store: Keep the glazed lemon sugar cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For optimal moisture retention, it’s best to leave them in the baking pan and cover tightly with foil.

To Freeze: Allow the bars to cool completely before placing unglazed bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allow to come to room temperature, and then add the glaze.