Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

These delightful Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of traditional sugar cookie flavors with a refreshing twist of lemon. Soft and chewy with a zesty lemon glaze, they are ideal for any occasion and meet all dietary requirements with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for glaze)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. While the bars are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
9. Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
10. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.