These Lemon Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery crust and a smooth, tangy lemon filling. This lemon bars recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make - Simple ingredients and quick steps make this recipe great for summer potlucks.
Perfect Balance of Flavors - A buttery base paired with a sweet and tart lemon topping with lots of lemon flavor.
Great for Any Occasion - Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a refreshing treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly - Even more delicious after chilling in the fridge!
Ingredients in Lemon Cookie Bars
For the Cookie Crust
- all-purpose flour
- white sugar
- vanilla extract
- salt
- unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Filling
- white sugar
- all-purpose flour
- cream of tartar
- salt
- large eggs + large yolks
- grated lemon zest
- fresh lemon juice
- unsalted butter
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and directions.
How to Make Lemon Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients by mixing together the flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool while making the filling.
- Make the lemon filling by whisking together sugar, flour, cream of tartar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice, whisking until smooth.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then slowly whisk in the lemon mixture.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the center is set and it slightly jiggles.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
- Dust with colored sugar to top with fresh lemon slices if desired.
Quick Tips
Use Fresh Lemons - Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
Line Your Pan - Parchment paper helps with easy removal and clean slices.
Let Them Cool - Cooling completely ensures the perfect texture before cutting.
How to Store Lemon Cookie Bars
Store your Lemon Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
More Lemon Desserts
If you love lemon desserts, you're in for a treat! Try these delicious lemon dessert recipes:
- Crinkled Lemon Cookies - Soft, chewy, and packed with lemon zest for that perfect tang with a coating of powdered sugar.
- Lemon Curd Shortbread Thumbprints - A buttery shortbread cookie filled with smooth, tart lemon curd filling.
- Lemon Loaf Cake - A moist loaf with a light lemon flavor in every bite, perfect for any occasion.
📖 Recipe
Lemon Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter - melted
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients by mixing together the flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until a dough forms.1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup unsalted butter
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool while making the filling.
- Make the lemon filling by whisking together sugar, flour, cream of tartar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice, whisking until smooth.1 cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 3 large eggs, 3 large egg yolks, 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then slowly whisk in the lemon mixture.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the center is set and it slightly jiggles.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
- Dust with colored sugar to top with fresh lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
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Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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