These Lemon Cookie Bars are an easy treat with an intense lemon frosting. They are perfectly chewy, sweet, and tart.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 20people
Calories: 321kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
2¼cupsAll-Purpose Flour
1teaspoonBaking Soda
1 tspSalt
1cupButterroom temperature
1½cupsSugar
1 teaspoonVanilla Extract
2largeEggsroom temperature
Lemon Buttercream Frosting
½cupButterroom temperature
3cupsPowdered Sugar
2TablespoonsLemon Juice
1teaspoonLemon Zest
4drops 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.