Lemon Cookie Bars

Our Lemon Cookie Bars recipe is a sweet and tart dessert that everyone will love. Topped with creamy lemon frosting and fun colorful sprinkles, these soft bars are perfect for any spring or summer party.

The recipe for Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars was initially published in March 2015. It was updated and republished in June 2025.

Jump to:

• Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Main Ingredients
• How To Make Lemon Cookie Bars
• Storage Recommendations
• BruCrew Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Cookie Bars
• Recipe

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

I haven't looked at my cookie cutters in years since I started baking these funfetti cookie bars. Pressing the dough into a pan saves me so much time. There’s no need to roll, cut, bake, and frost each cookie individually.

Plus, cookie bars are easy to customize to your taste. I love experimenting with different extracts or fun add-ins to create a new flavor every time I make a new batch!

Lemon desserts always give me sunshine vibes. I'm looking at you, lemon loaf! Since it’s summer and citrus fruits are in season in Florida, I wanted to add a lemon twist to my sugar cookie bars.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The sweet and tart flavor makes it a perfect dessert for spring or summer. It is easy to make, and the light lemon flavor is always a hit with friends and family.
• Baking and frosting the cookie bars in one pan makes life easier.
• Lemon buttercream frosting and sprinkles give it a fun, festive touch. You'll love how beautiful and sparkly these bars are.
• Brighten your mood and add a touch of sunshine to your day with these delicious cookie bars.

Main Ingredients

These lemon cookie bars are easy to make with simple ingredients, and the dough comes together in minutes. Scroll down to the recipe card to see the complete ingredient list.

• Butter - I prefer to use unsalted butter and adjust the flavor by adding salt myself. Set it out ahead of time so it's ready to cream into the sugar later.
• Sugar - A mixture of granulated sugar and brown sugar makes the cookie dough sweet and helps it stay soft.
• Egg - Helps to add moisture and hold the ingredients together.
• Fresh Lemon Juice - Freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice can be used in this recipe. I have used both with great results.
• All-Purpose Flour - Too much flour can make baked goods dry and dense. For best results, fluff the flour, then spoon it into the measuring cup or use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Baking Powder - It helps the cookies rise as they bake. Don’t substitute baking soda, as it affects the texture and flavor when paired with lemon juice.
• Lemon Frosting and Sprinkles

How To Make Lemon Cookie Bars

Adding lemon juice to the dough and frosting is a great way to add some cheerful flavor to these lemon sugar cookies. The best part about these sugar cookies is that you bake and frost them in one baking dish.

1. Make the cookie dough. Beat the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl until light and creamy. Add the lemon juice and egg, and then mix again. Stir together the dry ingredients and slowly mix them into the butter mixture.
2. Bake and cool. Press dough into an even layer in a greased glass pan, then place it in a preheated oven. Once done, place the pan on a wire rack and let the crust cool to room temperature.
3. Make lemon frosting. Beat the butter, lemon juice, and salt until creamy. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Decorate and serve. Spread the homemade frosting on the cooled bars. Add colorful sprinkles and yellow sanding sugar to the top. 

Storage Recommendations

Keep the frosted cookie bars in an airtight container on the counter for 4-5 days. The frosting helps to keep the dessert soft for days.

To freeze the cookie bars, wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

BruCrew Tips

• For a stronger lemon flavor, add one tablespoon of lemon zest to both the dough and the frosting. Do not add more lemon juice because this will alter the texture of the bars.
• Try other fresh citrus flavors. Lime, grapefruit, key lime, or even orange bars would be delicious.
• The dough is sticky. I found that using a rubber spatula made it easier to press the dough into the pan. You can also lightly wet your hands with water, then press the batter down evenly.
• If you want to skip the frosting, sprinkle the cookie batter with coarse sanding sugar to give it a shimmery crust.
• Don't overbake! Unless you like dry and crumbly treats.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting. Even a little bit of warmth can cause the frosting to melt and soak into the cookies.
• Want to use a different frosting? This creamy vanilla frosting or this marshmallow buttercream would be delicious too.
• Tint the frosting yellow or change the sprinkles based on the holiday or theme.

FAQs

More Easy Cookie Bars

• Congo Bars
• Butterscotch Bars
• Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
• Unicorn Sugar Cookies
• S'mores Sugar Cookie Recipe
• Best Lemon Bars

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