Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re craving something sweet and lemon but need a super quick and simple recipe, these lemon sugar cookie bars are for you! They only require one bowl, can be made in under an hour, and are packed full of fresh lemons and delicious vanilla. They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a simple lemon icing for an extra layer of flavor.

  • Easy
  • 35 mins
  • 16 servings
Finished product of the lemon bars
Finished product of the lemon bars
Ingredients

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (2 large lemons)
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar + 1 tbsp for topping
  • 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp Rodelle Vanilla Paste
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/4 cups (170g) all-purpose flour

Icing

  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Uses
Occasions
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350F and coat an 8x8 baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and sugar. Rub the two together using your fingers to release even more lemon flavor.
  3. Add the softened butter and cream together either by hand with a rubber spatula or a hand mixer.
  4. Mix in the egg, Rodelle Vanilla Paste, and baking powder.
  5. Mix in the flour just until it’s fully absorbed. The dough should look like mashed potatoes.
  6. Spread into your baking pan using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula (as it’s pretty sticky).
  7. Sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon of sugar and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely and then make the icing.
  9. Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice into a thin glue-like consistency.
  10. Drizzle over the bars, slice, and enjoy!

Note: These bars can also be made with limes or oranges! This recipe was prepared for Rodelle by @butternutbakery.