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These lemon sugar cookie bars are some of the best little treats when you are craving lemon sugar cookies but don’t want to scoop each one individually. They are soft, and chewy with the perfect lemon flavor!

Since you are here make sure to check out this delicious lemon bar recipe with graham cracker crust, these lemon bar cookies, as well as this lemon poppyseed muffins! 

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
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This is the best lemon cookie bars

Who doesn’t love sugar cookies in bar form? I mean they are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor just like regular cookies except you end up saving a ton of time by not having to scoop each one individually.

The strong lemon flavor in these makes them perfect for spring and summer baking, and the ease of trowing them together is gonna be a huge hit for you when you don’t have a ton of time to spare!

Why do you need to make this recipe?

  • This is the perfect dessert for the lemon lover in your life. 
  • You will save a ton of time by making this recipe because you won’t need to scoop individual cookies, all you have to do is spread in the pan and bake!
  • It has a deliciously light lemon flavor that will gave you going back for more everytime!
Ingredients on the counter

Ingredients for this lemon sugar cookie bar recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this fresh lemon sugar cookie bar recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements. 

  • Butter– You ccan use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. Just make sure it is softened. 
  • Granulated sugar & powdered sugar
  • Lemon juice & lemon zest- The combination of the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice will help add that delicious tangy lemon flavor.
  • Lemon extract- The lemon extract is used even though we are using fresh lemons to add in extra flavor to these cookie bars. 
  • Egg
  • Flour
  • Baking powder– This will add a little height to our cookie bars.
  • Salt
overhead shot of lemon bar cookies

How to make these easy lemon bars

This is how you can make these easy lemon sugar cookie bars. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

  1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together. 
  2. Add in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract, and mix to combine. 
  3. Mix in the dry ingredients so the all purpose flour, salt, baking powder until combined.
  4. Spread the cookie dough into an even layer into a parchment paper lined  8×8 inch pan, sprinkle with more granulated sugar, and bake in the preheated oven. 
  5. Allow the sugar cookie bars to cool down before slicing into them.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How should I store the lemon sugar cookie bars?

You can store these bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The best flavor of course if going to be when they’re fresh but they’ll still be tasty after a few days!

Can I frost this sugar cookie bars recipe?

Absolutely. Make sure you allow the lemon bar cookies to completely cool down before topping them with your favorite frosting. I love adding a good lemon cream cheese frosting or a lemon buttercream frosting to add extra citrus flavor!

hand holding lemon sugar cookie bars

Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Yes you can! All you have to do is place these lemon bars in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months, Once you are ready to enjoy this lemony treat, allow them to thaw on the counter for a few hours. 

Are Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars and Lemons Bars the same?

No, lemon bars are made with a shortbread crust and a custard lemony topping while this one is pretty much made out of lemon sugar cookie dough. It will yield baked cookiesin the shape of bars that are deliciously chewy and packed with all the lemon flavors your heart desires. 

Close up of cookie bars
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
4.91 from 10 votes

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

These lemon sugar cookie bars are soft and chewy and packed with lemon flavors!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • extra granulated sugar to sprinkle on top

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and sugar until well combined.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest, and mix until smooth.
    1 large egg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract, 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Stir in the baking powder, salt, and flour until just combined.
    1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, it will be sticky but just use an offset spatula to spread it as best as you can. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
    extra granulated sugar to sprinkle on top
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 122Calories | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 192IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Chahinez

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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4.91 from 10 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. Ryan says:

    5 stars
    Long term follower of your blog. Baked these yesterday and theyโ€™re delicious! My batch came out a little soft, but made a lemon flavored glaze and refrigerated them over night. Came out so much better than I dreamed!

    1. Chahinez says:

      Thank you for the continued support ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Debra Miller says:

    4 stars
    I do not like the after taste of lemon extract. Can I add more lemon zest and/or juice?

    1. Chahinez says:

      Yes that’s fine, you can add as much zest as you want. I wouldn’t add more juice though because the excess liquid could mess up the recipe.

  3. Karen Marshall says:

    Can almond flour be used in place of regular flour?

    1. Chahinez says:

      It won’t give the same result as the photos and the texture of the dough will be different. But if you don’t mind that then I don’t see why you can’t try it just to see ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. ZLM says:

    These came out great! Do you have a lemon buttercream frosting recipe?

    1. Chahinez says:

      I do not yet, but I have a small batch of cream cheese frosting that you can add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream instead of 3 tablespoons of heavy cream!

  5. Els manning says:

    5 stars
    Delightful recipe! So easy and soooo good! I doubled it and it turned out so good! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

    1. Chahinez says:

      So happy to hear that!