Can I freeze lemon cookie bars and how should I do it?

Yes, lemon cookie bars freeze well. After they have completely cooled, wrap each bar individually in two layers of plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars at room temperature for about an hour before serving. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon in this recipe?

You can substitute lemon with other citrus fruits like lime or ruby red grapefruit. Use slightly less lime zest since it has a stronger tartness, and adjust the glaze by mixing some citrus juice with water if the flavor is too intense. For grapefruit, add a bit more zest to balance its milder taste. Adjusting the juice amounts in the glaze helps maintain the right sweetness and consistency.

How do I make lemon cookie bars gluten-free?

To make lemon cookie bars gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately if it doesn’t, to help provide structure. This substitution keeps the bars tender and flavorful without compromising texture.

Can lemon cookie bars be made without eggs?

Yes, you can omit eggs by substituting them with ½ cup of yogurt or sour cream for every two eggs the recipe calls for. These alternatives provide moisture and help bind the ingredients while keeping the bars soft. Be careful not to add too much liquid, and mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.

What’s the best way to keep lemon cookie bars soft and not dry?

Avoid overbaking by checking the bars around 18 to 22 minutes; they should be just set with lightly golden edges. Also, mix the batter only until the flour is incorporated to prevent developing gluten, which can make the bars tough. Letting the bars cool fully before cutting also helps maintain their softness.

Lemon Cookie Bars with Sugar Glaze

Description

🍋 Delight in these Lemon Cookie Bars, offering a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite, perfect for any sweet tooth craving!
🍰 Easy and quick to prepare, making them a go-to dessert for family gatherings or a simple sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups (about 312.5 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2–3 lemons)
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk (optional but adds richness)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon lemon extract (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon sparkling sugar (or raw sugar as an alternative)
¾ to 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in egg yolk if using.
5. Mix in lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract, if using, until combined.
6. Gradually add flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated without overmixing.
7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle granulated and sparkling sugar over top.
8. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. For glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars, then let set before slicing.

Notes

🍋 Tip: For enhanced lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or lemon powder to the dough.
🔪 Tip: Cut bars before glazing to allow the glaze to seep in better for more flavor.
❄️ Tip: Wrap and freeze bars individually for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling time for glaze: 15-30 minutes
Cook Time: 22-28 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 210
Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 146 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Lemon Cookie Bars, Sweet Sugar Glaze, Easy Dessert, Zesty Lemon Treat