CHEF JOHN'S LEMON BARS

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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

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