Name: Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from one small lemon); 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30mL); 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (220g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g); 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (84g); ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g); ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (60g); 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 6 reviews

If you adore bright, zesty flavors wrapped up in a soft, tender cookie, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine a luscious homemade lemon curd nestled right into fluffy, cake-like cookies, creating the perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite. Whether for a sunny afternoon tea or just because you crave a burst of citrusy joy, this recipe will soon be one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows thick, creamy dough with a pale yellow color and a slightly rough texture inside a clear glass bowl. A pink silicone spatula with a wooden handle is partially inserted into the dough, visible on the left side. The dough looks soft and sticky with some clumps and flour on the bottom. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, from enhancing the tangy lemon flavor to creating that irresistible soft texture. These simple staples come together perfectly to give you a vibrant and luscious cookie experience.

Granulated sugar (½ cup + ¾ cup): Provides sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the lemon curd.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons + 1 ¾ cups): Gives structure to both the lemon curd and the cookie dough.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Adds thickness to the lemon curd, ensuring a silky consistency.
Baking powder (¼ teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): Gives the lemon curd and cookies a light, airy texture.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and tartness.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Injects fresh citrus aroma and brightness into the curd.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Delivers that unmistakable zesty punch to the curd filling.
Large eggs (2 eggs + 1 egg yolk): Bind ingredients and add richness for tender, cakey cookies.
Unsalted butter (½ cup): Creates loving richness and moisture in the cookie dough.
Cream cheese (3 ounces): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, making cookies delightful and soft.
Confectioners’ sugar (½ cup + extra for dusting): Makes the cookies extra sweet and perfect for a pretty finishing touch.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with comforting warmth.

How to Make Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Lemon Curd

Start by whisking together the granulated sugar, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, one egg, and fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened and reaching 190°F. Pour the curd into a shallow dish and pop it in the freezer so it chills while you tackle the cookie dough. This curd is what gives your cookies that vibrant, tangy center that truly defines this Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Cookies

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will ensure your cookies have that perfect cakey texture with just the right lift.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter on medium speed for about 30 to 60 seconds. Add the room temperature cream cheese and continue mixing for another minute until smooth. Then add both the granulated and confectioners’ sugars, beating on medium until creamy and luscious – this step ensures your cookie dough is perfectly smooth and sweet.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk, along with the vanilla extract, until fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl for even mixing. This step adds richness and volume that will make your cookies irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

On low speed, mix in half of the flour mixture just until barely combined, scrape the bowl, then add the remaining flour. Mix until there are only a few flour streaks left and finish folding them in with a spatula. The dough should be thick but very soft, resembling cake batter – exactly what you want for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 6: Chill and Shape the Cookies

Scoop cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate the cookie pans for around 20 minutes while the oven heats to 350°F. Chilling firms the dough so you get those perfect thumbprint wells for your lemon curd.

Step 7: Fill Cookies and Bake

Remove one pan from the refrigerator, and use a tablespoon to create a thumbprint indentation in each cookie. Take the lemon curd from the freezer and place a teaspoon of curd into each indentation. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Step 8: Optional Dusting

Once completely cooled, dust the cookies lightly with confectioners’ sugar for a picture-perfect finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness and a bit of elegance. This is entirely optional, but such a pretty detail!

How to Serve Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a lemon cookie with two layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, soft, and crumbly pale-yellow cookie base. The top layer is a glossy, smooth, bright yellow lemon filling with a bit of shine. The top cookie is slightly broken, showing the thick lemon filling inside. There are small crumbs scattered around the cookie, and a sliced lemon is partially visible at the bottom right corner. The background is slightly blurry with soft colors and a glass jar seen faintly on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra burst of freshness, consider topping these lemon bar cookies with a tiny sprig of fresh mint or a thin lemon twist. A light sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest right before serving can also make the citrus pop and brighten the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine as a delightful companion to a hot cup of tea, whether it’s chamomile, green, or a fragrant Earl Grey. They also pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade or a light rosé, elevating your snack or dessert time into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging lemon bar cookies on a pretty platter layered with edible flowers and lemon slices for a wow-worthy centerpiece at a brunch or party. You can also serve them in individual pastel paper cups or stack them with parchment paper in a gift box for heartfelt handmade gifts that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying some of these lemon bar cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot in your home will maintain their texture perfectly.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled cookies single-layer on a baking sheet until firm and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Frozen lemon bar cookies keep well for up to three months and thaw beautifully to fresh-tasting treats.

Reheating

If you want to refresh slightly chilled or frozen cookies, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked softness and release the lovely lemon aroma just like when they first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade lemon curd offers a fresh, bright flavor that elevates this Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe, store-bought curd can be a convenient and tasty shortcut if you’re short on time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the cookie dough?

Cream cheese adds tang and softness, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt for a similar effect. Just remember these swaps will slightly change the flavor and texture.

How thick should I spread the lemon curd when cooling it before use?

Spreading the lemon curd in a thin, even layer allows it to freeze quickly and makes scooping easier for filling the thumbprints on the cookies, giving you consistent flavor in each bite.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! To keep the lemon bar cookies gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture.

Why do I chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling firms up the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helps create well-defined wells for the lemon curd filling. It also improves the flavor and texture overall.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little love can turn into magic in the kitchen. The combination of tender, creamy cookies with tangy lemon curd centers is downright irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these sunny, delicious bites with everyone you love. Happy baking!