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Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

These Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars feature a buttery sugar cookie crust topped with a tangy, creamy lemon cheesecake filling and a crumble of sugar cookie dough baked to a light golden perfection. Perfectly balance sweet and tart flavors make these bars a delightful treat for any lemon lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Cookie Crust:

  • 1 Cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 Cup butter at room temperature
  • 2 Cups all purpose flour

Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

  • 8 Ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1/4 Cup lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon zest, divided
  • 1/2 Cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the cookie bars.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking dish with foil and liberally spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Make Sugar Cookie Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Then, reduce speed to low and gradually add the flour, half a cup at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
  4. Bake Crust: Press half of the sugar cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before adding the filling. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated until ready to use.
  5. Prepare Lemon Cheesecake Filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, or a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon zest together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble Bars: Pour the lemon cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Then crumble the remaining sugar cookie dough evenly over the top of the filling.
  7. Bake Final Bars: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the cookie crumble topping turns a light golden color.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of lemon zest over the top for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Allow bars to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to facilitate easier mixing and a smoother dough and filling.
  • Press the cookie dough firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid base.
  • The lemon zest on top adds a fresh, bright finish—feel free to increase or decrease according to your taste preference.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars before cutting.

Keywords: lemon sugar cookie bars, lemon cheesecake bars, lemon dessert bars, lemon bars, sugar cookie bars, lemon cheesecake dessert, easy lemon bars

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/lemon-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/