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Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Description

These Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars combine buttery, soft lemon-infused cookie bars with a luscious lemon buttercream frosting. Perfectly sweet and tangy, with a subtle almond aroma, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. The bars are chilled before baking to maintain a tender texture and topped with optional toasted sliced almonds for a delicate crunch.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Toasted sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: Using a stand or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and almond extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably paler, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined. The dough should be wet and sticky.
  4. Prepare the Pan: Cut a parchment paper sling to fit slightly smaller than your baking pan. Lightly spray the bottom and sides of the pan with vegetable oil spray, place the parchment sling inside, smoothing it out and securing it if needed.
  5. Press Dough into Pan: Scoop the dough into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Wetting your fingers slightly makes smoothing easier.
  6. Chill the Dough: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up the dough before baking.
  7. Preheat Oven: While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake the Bars: Bake the cookie bars for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
  9. Cool the Bars: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Then use the parchment edges to lift the bars out.
  10. Make the Lemon Buttercream: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  11. Add Flavor to Frosting: Mix in the lemon juice and almond extract, then beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  12. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are fully cooled, dollop the lemon frosting over the surface and gently smooth into an even layer, creating swirls with the back of a spoon for texture.
  13. Optional Topping: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the frosted bars if desired.

Notes

  • Using room temperature ingredients helps create a smooth and creamy batter.
  • Chilling the dough before baking ensures a more tender texture in the bars.
  • The almond extract is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor to the lemon.
  • Parchment paper sling makes removing the bars from the pan easy and neat.
  • Ensure the bars are fully cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • To toast sliced almonds, bake them in a single layer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/frosted-lemon-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/