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Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars with a creamy lemon frosting and sprinkles
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5 from 1 vote

Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe

These Lemon Cookie Bars are an easy treat with an intense lemon frosting. They are perfectly chewy, sweet, and tart.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 20 people
Calories: 321kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

Sugar Cookies

  • cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Butter room temperature
  • cups Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 large Eggs room temperature

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

  • ½ cup Butter room temperature
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • 4 drops Lemon Essential Oil
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room temperature butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy - about 3 minutes. Slowly add the eggs, then beat on low until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Don't overmix.
  • Lightly spray a 12" x 17" baking sheet with nonstick spray (or line with parchment paper). Press the cookie dough into the bottom of the pan as evenly as possible.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes ,or until just barely golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

How to Make Lemon Buttercream Frosting

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter and beat using the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed at first, then increase to medium until well combined.
  • Turn the mixer off and add the lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon essential oil, and vanilla extract.  Mix for another minute or so until light and fluffy again.  Note: If your frosting is a little too dense, add a teaspoon of lemon juice.  If your frosting is too runny, add another half cup of powdered sugar. 

How to Assemble Lemon Cookie Bars

  • Spread the lemon buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Top with sprinkles if desired. Cut into bars or squares before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

*For thicker cookie bars, press into a 9" x 13" baking dish and bake for about 2-3 minutes more.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 24mg | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.8mg