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Lemon Cookie Bars

Lemon Cookie Bars


Ingredients

 

Lemon Cookie Bars:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp Rising Star Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 1 tsp Rising Star Pure Lemon Extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice 15ml)
  • 1¾ cups all purpose flour (210g)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113g)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (57g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
  • 1 tsp Rising Star Pure Lemon Extract
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt

 

Instructions

Lemon Cookie Bars:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

  3. Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms.

  5. Press or spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

  6. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

  7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting, about 1 hour.*

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

  2. Add the powdered sugar, lemon extract, lemon zest, and salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy.

  3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Garnish with additional lemon zest. Cut into 9 or 12 bars.

Notes:

  • If you’re in a pinch for time, you can throw the baked lemon cookie bars in the freezer or fridge to cool faster before applying the cream cheese frosting.
  • You can substitute fresh lemon juice to store bought in a container. 


Recipe: @bakedby_brittney

Photography: @bakedby_brittney

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