Description
These Lemon Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, featuring a bright, citrusy flavor from fresh lemon zest and juice. Soft and moist with a glossy lemon glaze on top, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making them a refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper on all sides to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking, and set aside.
- Infuse Sugar and Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar to release the lemon oils, enhancing the lemon flavor. Add the unsalted butter and microwave for about 1 minute until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is hot to the touch. Stir with a whisk; if butter isn’t completely melted, microwave an additional 15 seconds and stir again.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon extract vigorously until the mixture becomes glossy and lightens in color, about 30 seconds. This step helps to aerate the batter for a tender crumb.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined without any streaks of flour. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly to the edges. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of lemon extract. Pour and spread the glaze evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Set and Serve: Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing the brownies into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy the vibrant lemon flavor in every bite.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the brownies soft and tender.
- Rubbing lemon zest into the sugar maximizes the lemon flavor infusion.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift brownies out of the pan for neat slices.
- The lemon glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more lemon extract or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
