Meyer Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars with Festive Glaze
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice (for the glaze)
- Festive sprinkles or extra zest for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a small overhang on two sides. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they have cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the Meyer lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of Meyer lemon juice, and the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until the white streaks of flour disappear; do not overmix, or the bars will be tough.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and the remaining Meyer lemon juice in a small bowl. Start with 2 tablespoons of juice and add more if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency. If you want a “festive” look, you can add a drop of food coloring here.
- Once the bars are totally cool, pour the glaze over the top and spread it to the edges. Immediately top with festive sprinkles or additional lemon zest before the glaze sets. Let the glaze harden for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.