Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that's both refreshing and satisfying? Look no further! These Lemon Bar Cookies combine the tangy zest of lemon bars with the delightful chewiness of a cookie, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike – a quick and easy addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. These little bites of sunshine are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the day. They're also a fantastic addition to any gathering, guaranteed to impress your guests!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions:
Get started with the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the powdered sugar until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking sheet to form a crust. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed for consistent baking.
Prepare the zesty lemon filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the lemon juice until smooth. Be sure there are no lumps.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon zest.
Bake to perfection:
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown around the edges. Avoid overbaking to prevent a dry filling.
- Let the lemon bars cool completely on the baking sheet before cutting into squares. This is crucial to prevent crumbling.
Tips for the Best Lemon Bar Cookies:
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The brighter the lemon, the better the taste!
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in a tough crust.
- Make sure the filling is evenly distributed to ensure consistent baking.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Blueberry Lemon Bars: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon filling for a delightful twist.
- Raspberry Lemon Bars: Substitute raspberries for blueberries for a different fruity burst.
- Glazed Lemon Bars: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 200-250 Fat: 10-12g Saturated Fat: 6-8g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 2-3g
These Lemon Bar Cookies are a delicious and easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their bright, zesty flavor will surely brighten your day, and the ease of preparation makes them a perfect addition to your busy week. Enjoy!