Best 13 Lemon Bar Cookies Recipes

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Lemon bar cookies, a delightful treat loved by many, combine the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet, buttery crust. Whether you're looking to indulge in a homemade treat or impress your friends and family with a delectable dessert, finding the best recipe for lemon bar cookies is essential. This article will guide you through essential considerations and provide recommendations for the best recipes that cater to various tastes and skill levels, ensuring you create the perfect lemon bar cookies that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

THE BEST LEMON BARS



The Best Lemon Bars image

Tart, rich and perfection, all rolled into one! Wow your friends with this simple recipe. Hint: No Substitutions!

Provided by Patty Schenck

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 lemons, juiced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a medium bowl, blend together softened butter, 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
  • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Whisk in the eggs and lemon juice. Pour over the baked crust.
  • Bake for an additional 20 minutes in the preheated oven. The bars will firm up as they cool. For a festive tray, make another pan using limes instead of lemons and adding a drop of green food coloring to give a very pale green. After both pans have cooled, cut into uniform 2 inch squares and arrange in a checker board fashion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.8 calories, Carbohydrate 17.8 g, Cholesterol 34.2 mg, Fat 5.8 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 44.4 mg, Sugar 11.2 g

LEMON BARS



Lemon Bars image

These easy lemon bars are a delightful recipe from my mother's file. I've been serving it for many years. This easy lemon bar recipe has a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. The color and shape make them a nice addition to a platter of cookies. -Etta Soucy, Mesa, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
FILLING:
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Additional confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the flour, butter and confectioners' sugar. Pat into an ungreased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. , For filling, in a small bowl, beat eggs. Add the sugar, flour, baking powder, lemon juice and zest; beat until frothy. Pour over the crust. Bake 25 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Fat 11g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 74mg cholesterol, Sodium 140mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

LEMON BAR COOKIES



Lemon Bar Cookies image

These are To Die For. A neighbor brought these over for the holidays and I have to tell you, they are addicting!! They are easy to make too, what more could you ask for?? The recipe does not call for it, but I add the zest of 1 lemon and also a glaze on top made with fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar.

Provided by Pvt Amys Mom

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Steps:

  • Mix flour and powdered sugar together (for crust).
  • Cut butter into flour mixture (as for pie dough).
  • Spray 9 x 13" baking dish with Pam nonstick spray.
  • Spread crust into bottom of pan and pat lightly.
  • Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
  • Beat all of the topping ingredients together lightly.
  • Pour over the toasted crust and bake an additional 25 minutes at 350°.
  • Cut into small squares.
  • Be careful not to overcook or they get very crumbly. The crust should be slightly crumbly when you bite into it, but not fall apart in your hands. The topping should be the consistency of lemon meringue pie filling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.2, Fat 8.6, SaturatedFat 5.1, Cholesterol 51.3, Sodium 95, Carbohydrate 28.4, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 19.2, Protein 2.4

LEMON SQUARES/LEMON BAR COOKIES



Lemon Squares/Lemon Bar Cookies image

Wonderful bar-like cookies that form a crunchy layer on the bottom and a chewy layer on top. They are delicious! They were originally called "Lemon Cheese Squares" tho I can't fathom why considering the fact that there's no cheese in the recipe! I found this in the cookbook "Private Collections: A Culinary Treasure". Miss Hortense Reit is the recipe's author. If you like lemon, you'll LOVE this! Yum!

Provided by annbb

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 55m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sifted flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 -2 tablespoon microplaned or grated lemon, rind of
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
1 tablespoon microplaned or grated lemon, rind of
powdered sugar, for top

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Blend the butter, flour, powdered sugar and lemon peel.
  • Spread in a 9 X 9 inch UNGREASED pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Combine the rest of the ingredients, (not the powdered sugar), and pour over the baked mixture.
  • Bake an additional 30 minutes.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar of the top when out of the oven.
  • Loosen the sides with the sharp point of a knife.
  • Let the cake cool and then cut it into squares.
  • These can be refrigerated, but should be removed about 1/2 hour before serving to bring to room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.2, Fat 6.5, SaturatedFat 3.9, Cholesterol 41.7, Sodium 86.2, Carbohydrate 22.1, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 15.1, Protein 1.8

LEMON BARS



Lemon Bars image

Ina Garten's Lemon Bars are easy to bake and make for the perfect picnic dessert, from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     dessert

Time 1h35m

Yield 20 squares or 40 triangles

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.
  • Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
  • For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.
  • Cut into triangles and dust with confectioners' sugar.

LEMON BAR COOKIE CUPS



Lemon Bar Cookie Cups image

Provided by Elyse

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter (softened)
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 Tablespoons butter (softened)
1 cup sugar
4 eggs (divided)
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 lemon (zest)
2 Tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
  • Beat in egg and vanilla.
  • Gradually beat in dry ingredients until combined.
  • Roll into 1" sized balls and place in muffin tin.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Press the insides of the cookies down with the backside of a spoon to make an indent for filling; let cool.
  • To make the filling, cream together 6 Tablespoons softened butter with 1 cup sugar.
  • Mix in 2 eggs and just the yolks from the other 2 eggs, and beat until well combined.
  • Add lemon juice and mix until combined, there will still be some lumps.
  • Pour filling mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk constantly for 5 minutes, or until smooth and thickened.
  • Remove lemon curd from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  • Carefully spoon a teaspoon of lemon curd into each cookie cup.
  • Top cookie cups with lemon zest of one lemon, and place in fridge for 30 minutes, or until lemon curd has set up.
  • Remove cookie cups from pan using a butter knife and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

CHEF JOHN'S LEMON BARS



Chef John's Lemon Bars image

This is one of my favorite cookies of all time, although technically they're closer to a pie than a cookie. Nothing prepares you for that intense, awesome sweet-tart lemon flavor and custard, perfectly contrasted against that crisp, sweet buttery shortbread cookie.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
¼ cup confectioners' sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  • Place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. Mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
  • Moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. Use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
  • Bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
  • Beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in white sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. Add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. Pour lemon custard over crust.
  • Bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin white sugary crust, 25 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. Dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 153 calories, Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Cholesterol 51.3 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 46.6 mg, Sugar 14.8 g

MAMA'S LEMON SOUR COOKIE BARS



Mama's Lemon Sour Cookie Bars image

These were my Mama's best loved bar cookies. Everybody who had them for the first time always wanted the recipe, and the people who had tasted them before always begged for more.

Provided by Georgia Girl

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 55m

Yield 24 bar cookies

Number Of Ingredients 11

3/4 cup sifted flour
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
3/4 cup moist flaked coconut
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar (approximately)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Mix the flour and butter together until it resembles a very fine crumb.
  • Sprinkle evenly into the bottom of an 11 X 7" pan, and pat lightly to smooth out any lumps.
  • Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
  • Meanwhile beat the eggs, and mix in the brown sugar, nuts, coconut, vanilla and baking powder.
  • Spread this mixture onto the baked crust as soon as you take it from the oven.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes at 350°.
  • Mix the lemon rind and juice with the confectioner's sugar to make a creamy glaze.
  • Spread the lemon glaze evenly over the top of the hot cookie mixture as soon as you take it from the oven.
  • Cool completely before cutting into squares.
  • Store in an airtight container as the lemon glaze will dry out if left out for more than a day.
  • (This is not usually a problem because there are never any leftovers!)**I use the Angel Flake coconut in the can or the bag.
  • Any brand of moist, flaked coconut will do, but you do not want to use the dry, shredded coconut for this recipe.

LEMON SQUARE BARS



Lemon Square Bars image

Check out this recipe! It may be the one you are looking for.

Provided by RCOMP

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup butter, melted
4 large eggs eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup all-purpose flour
⅝ cup lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups flour and confectioners' sugar. Blend in the melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Combine the sugar, baking powder and 1/4 cup of flour so there will be no flour lumps. Stir the sugar mixture into the eggs. Finally, stir in the lemon juice. Pour over the prepared crust and return to the oven.
  • Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until bars are set. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208 calories, Carbohydrate 31.2 g, Cholesterol 51.3 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 81.5 mg, Sugar 21.8 g

LOVELY LEMON BAR COOKIES



Lovely Lemon Bar Cookies image

While on vacation this summer I enjoyed the book "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder" by Joanne Fluke. Not only was the plot a fun read but the author interspersed some good recipes throughout the book. This is one of the recipes. I want to forward the book to my Zaar Used Media Swap partner today and I am posting the recipe here so I can try it later. The author did not indicate the serving size, prep time, etc. so I am guessing. I will update after I make the recipe. Prep time does not include cooling time.

Provided by QueenBee49444

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 bars, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups flour
1 cup butter, cold
1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 eggs, beaten (just whip them with a fork)
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons flour

Steps:

  • Preheat over to 350 degrees, rack in middle position.
  • Grease a 9 x 13 pan.
  • Cut each stick of butter into eight pieces.
  • Zoop it up with the flour and powdered sugar in a food processor until it looks like coarse cornmeal (just like the first step in making a piecrust).
  • Spread it out in a greased 9 x 13 pan and pat it down with your hands.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden around the edges.
  • Remove from oven - but don't turn the oven off!
  • Mix eggs with white sugar.
  • Add lemon juice & zest if you want to use it.
  • Add salt and baking powder and mix.
  • Add flour and mix thoroughly. (This will be runny - it's supposed to be.).
  • Pour this mixture on top of the pan you just baked.
  • Stick it back into the oven.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for another 30-35 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle on additional powdered sugar.
  • Let cool thoroughly and cut into brownie-sized bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.7, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 102.7, Sodium 286.9, Carbohydrate 57.1, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 38.5, Protein 4.7

LEMON BARS I



Lemon Bars I image

Lemon bars on a shortbread base.

Provided by Sallie

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup confectioners' sugar
¼ cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
⅓ cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • To make Bottom Layer: Mix one cup flour and 1/4 cup confectioners sugar. Melt the butter and stir into flour mixture.
  • Press flat and even into an 8x8 inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
  • While baking, make the top layer: Mix 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and the baking powder.
  • Beat eggs and add to mixture, stirring well. Add lemon juice and rind, mix again.
  • Pour over bottom layer; Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Cool a little, cut into squares while warm; dust with confectioners sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 132.7 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 30.9 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 44.7 mg, Sugar 16.9 g

COOKIE MIX LEMON BARS



Cookie Mix Lemon Bars image

Looking for a dessert made using Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix? Then check out these elegant lemon bars sprinkled with powdered sugar - a tasty treat.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h50m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pouch (1 lb.1.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold butter
4 egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 tablespoon Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
Grated peel of 1 lemon (about 2 teaspoons)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, stir cookie mix and 2 tablespoons flour. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until mixture looks like fine crumbs. Press mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix egg yolks, condensed milk, 1 tablespoon flour, the lemon peel and lemon juice with whisk. Pour over hot crust. Bake 18 to 20 minutes longer or until filling is set. Cool on cooling rack 1 hour. Cover; refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
  • Sprinkle bars with powdered sugar. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 110 mg, Sugar 18 g, TransFat 1 g

LEMON COOKIE BARS



Lemon Cookie Bars image

Make and share this Lemon Cookie Bars recipe from Food.com.

Provided by -BreanneMarie-

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 1h4m

Yield 9-12 Lemon bars, 9-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 cup butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1/3 teaspoon baking powder
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons lemon zest

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Make crust: mix together first three ingredients with a fork until crumbly. press into an 8 inch square cake pan and bake for 20 minutes. do not brown.
  • Mix the rest of the ingredients with a mixer until well mixed. Pour over the pre-baked crust. Place in oven for an additional 30 minutes.
  • remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.1, Fat 17.3, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 102.7, Sodium 173.3, Carbohydrate 60.5, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 36.5, Protein 5.5

Tips:

  • Use fresh lemons. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for lemon bars.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough, dense lemon bars.
  • Bake the lemon bars until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly lemon bars.
  • Let the lemon bars cool completely before cutting them. This will help them to hold their shape.
  • For a richer flavor, use butter instead of margarine.
  • To make gluten-free lemon bars, use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • For a vegan version, use vegan butter and eggs.
  • To add a little extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the batter.
  • For a fun twist, try topping the lemon bars with a layer of whipped cream or fresh berries.

Conclusion:

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that is loved by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed on any occasion. With their bright, citrusy flavor and creamy filling, lemon bars are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a delicious and refreshing treat, give lemon bars a try!

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