These lemon sugar cookie bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. A smooth lemon buttercream frosting tops the tender cookie base, making them a bright, refreshing dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these bars are to prepare—no rolling dough or scooping cookies one by one. I just press the dough into a pan, bake, cool, and frost. The lemon zest and juice give them a vibrant flavor, and the cream cheese in the dough adds a subtle richness that makes the texture incredibly soft. The lemon buttercream takes them over the top with a sweet-tart finish that balances the cookie base perfectly.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, room temperature
Block-style cream cheese, room temperature
Granulated sugar
Fresh lemon zest
Egg
Vanilla extract
Fresh lemon juice

For the Frosting:

Unsalted butter, room temperature
Confectioners’ sugar
Fresh lemon juice
Milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and lemon zest, then beat until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
To make the frosting, beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice. Add a small amount of milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
Spread frosting over the cooled bars, then slice into 24 squares and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 24 lemon sugar cookie bars.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

I like to get creative with this base recipe depending on the occasion:

Add white chocolate chips or chopped almonds to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Switch the frosting for a lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for a thinner, tangier topping.
Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.
Halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch pan for a smaller batch.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze really well—I wrap them tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

Why did my bars come out dry?

That usually happens if the flour was packed too tightly or the bars were overbaked. I always spoon and level the flour and start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them the day before I need them. They actually taste even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors settle and the texture softens.

How do I cut clean, neat squares?

I use a long knife and run it under hot water, then dry it off before slicing. I clean the blade between cuts to keep the edges smooth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and it worked great. I just keep an eye on the texture—it may need a minute or two less in the oven.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

Not immediately. I keep them at room temperature for a day or two, but if it’s warm or I need them to last longer, I refrigerate them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These lemon sugar cookie bars are a refreshing and crowd-pleasing treat that I love making year-round. They’re quick, simple, and full of bright flavor. Whether I’m baking for a gathering or just want a zesty snack, these bars always hit the spot.

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Why I’ll Love This Recipe