Lemon Bar Cookies
Delightful and refreshing Lemon Bar Cookies with a buttery base and zesty lemon filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetness
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature) for moisture
- 3.5 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature) for tenderness
- 1 large whole egg (room temperature) for binding
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature) for richness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for depth of flavor
- 1.75 cup all-purpose flour for structure
- 2 tsp baking powder for leavening
- 1/4 tsp salt to enhance flavor
Lemon Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for sweetness
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice for tartness
- 1 tbsp lemon zest for bright flavor
For Dusting
- powdered sugar for rolling and sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven and grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 egg yolks, whisking until smooth.
- Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, stirring gently.
- Mix in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until creamy.
- Incorporate 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3.5 ounces cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat until fluffy.
- Fold the lemon mixture into the sugar and egg blend until just combined.
- Sift together 1.75 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; slowly stir into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake in preheated oven until edges are golden brown and center is set, about 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Don’t skip the cooling time before slicing.