Spring is here and we’re enjoying every minute of it. We have the windows open wide to let in the fresh air, we’re getting some time in the sun, and we’re watching the flowers bloom on the trees in our yard.
When Spring comes, it makes me want all things fresh. We have salads for dinner more often, enjoy a glass of juice with breakfast- and make sweet citrus treats like these Lemon Cookie Bars!
These Lemon Cookie Bars are exactly the fresh, crisp taste I enjoy this time of year. They are perfect for packing up to bring to a picnic, and they go great with a cup of tea on the porch. They’re just the right amount of lemon without being overwhelming, so everyone in the family will enjoy them.
Do these Lemon Cookie Bars use real lemons?
Absolutely! You’ll want lemon extract as well to add even more flavor to the bars, but this recipe uses both lemon zest and lemon juice straight from a fresh lemon.
Can you make Gluten Free Lemon Cookie Bars?
Totally! The only ingredient in this recipe that needs to be swapped to make these gluten free is the flour. For that, just use a gluten-free flour like the one from King Arthur, which you can use cup for cup like regular flour. Just be careful with your powdered sugar- most brands are gluten-free but some are not, so be sure to check your labels.
Lactose intolerant? Be sure to swap the cream cheese for a lactose-free variety: check out brands like Green Valley Organics. Or you can just go with a vegan cream cheese instead!
Can the Kids Help?
Kids can ALWAYS help in the kitchen! For this recipe, I’d suggest letting them help with:
- Whisking ingredients together
- Zesting the lemon – with supervision, depending on age
- Spreading the batter into the dish
- Making the frosting and spreading it on the bars
What Supplies Do You Need to Make Lemon Cookie Bars?
To make Lemon Cookie Bars, you’ll need:
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- 8×8 Baking Pan
- Medium Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Whisk – electric or manual
- Yellow food coloring {optional}
- Zester {one of my most-used kitchen tools!}
Hungry for More?
Want more delicious lemon recipes? Try these:
Lemon Cookie Bars
These Lemon Cookie Bars are the perfect fresh citrus dessert to enjoy all Spring and Summer long! With REAL lemon zest and lemon juice, this recipe is perfect for lemonade stands, bake sales, tea parties, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- For the frosting:
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8x8 baking pan by greasing with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until creamy and well combined.
Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract. Beat until combined.
Add the flour mixture and beat until smooth. Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
To make the frosting, beat together the butter, milk, lemon juice, lemon extract and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring to tint icing if desired.
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely, then spread the frosting over the top of the cookie bars. Cut into 9 equal pieces before serving.
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