Zesty Lemon Cookie Bars
These Zesty Lemon Cookie Bars are a delightful fusion of soft sugar cookie crust and luscious lemon filling, perfect for satisfying any sweet and tangy cravings. Inspired by two beloved desserts—sugar cookies and classic lemon bars—this easy recipe uses convenient packaged cookie dough, making it a breeze to whip up a fresh batch. With the combination of fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and zest, each bite bursts with lemony flavor, enhanced by a light dusting of powdered sugar to finish. These bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply a treat at home, bringing brightness and joy to any occasion.
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 roll (18 ounces) (sliced)
eggs
3 (slightly beaten)
sugar
1 cup
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup
baking powder
1 teaspoon
fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup
lemon extract
2 teaspoons
lemon zest
1 teaspoon
powdered sugar
1/4 cup (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Unwrap the refrigerated sugar cookie dough and slice it as directed on the package. Evenly arrange the slices in the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch glass pan.
3
Using lightly floured fingers, gently press the dough down to form an even layer across the bottom of the pan. Make sure to cover the entire base with the dough.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown.
5
While the crust is baking, in a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly beaten eggs, sugar, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Mix until well blended.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Gradually add this lemon mixture to the egg-sugar mixture and blend until fully combined.
7
Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling over the warm crust.
8
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
9
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
8.3g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon Cookie Bars?
Zesty Lemon Cookie Bars are a dessert fusion consisting of a soft sugar cookie crust and a tangy lemon filling.
What is used to make the crust for these bars?
The crust is made using a 18-ounce roll of refrigerated sugar cookie dough.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan should I use?
A 13x9-inch glass pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the dough for the pan?
Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough and arrange the slices in the bottom of the ungreased pan.
Do I need to grease the glass pan?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased 13x9-inch glass pan.
How do I ensure the dough is even in the pan?
Use lightly floured fingers to gently press the dough into a single even layer across the base.
How long does the crust bake initially?
The crust should bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is light golden brown.
What ingredients are needed for the lemon filling?
The filling requires eggs, sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 slightly beaten eggs.
How much sugar is added to the lemon mixture?
One cup of sugar is used for the lemon filling.
How much fresh lemon juice is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Is lemon extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of lemon extract are added to boost the citrus flavor.
How much lemon zest should I add?
The filling includes 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
What is the amount of flour in the filling?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is blended into the egg and sugar mixture.
Is baking powder used in the filling?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking powder is included in the lemon filling ingredients.
How should the lemon filling be mixed?
Mix the eggs, sugar, flour, and baking powder first, then gradually add the whisked lemon juice, extract, and zest.
Should the crust be hot or cold when adding the filling?
The lemon filling should be poured over the crust immediately after it is removed from the oven while it is still warm.
How long is the second baking period?
After adding the filling, bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the lemon bars are done?
The bars are done when the filling is set and the top is a light golden color.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
What is the final step before cutting the bars?
Dust the completely cooled bars with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 67 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these bars?
There are 8.3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this dessert?
Yes, there is 1 gram of protein per serving.
What total number of ingredients are used?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients in total.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The bars are described as being both sweet and tangy.
Can I serve these at a picnic?
Yes, these bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or treats at home.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include lemon bars, cookie bars, dessert, easy recipes, and citrus desserts.