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Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

Delightfully fragrant and zesty, these Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars combine the bright flavors of fresh lemon with the subtle floral notes of lavender. Featuring a soft, buttery base with a smooth lemon-lavender glaze, these bars are perfect as a refreshing treat for afternoon tea or a light dessert. Easy to make and ideal for sharing, they bring elegance and a touch of spring to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Zest of 1 lemon (roughly 2 tablespoons)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon canola or grapeseed oil (neutral flavored oil)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon lavender extract (measure carefully!)
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt

For the Lemon Lavender Glaze:

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • Zest of ½ a lemon (roughly 1 tablespoon)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (roughly 2 tablespoons)
  • ⅛ teaspoon lavender extract (measure carefully!)
  • Dried culinary lavender flowers, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray the surface with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Sugar and Lemon Zest: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your hands until fragrant to infuse the sugar with bright lemon flavor.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar Mixture: Add the softened butter to the sugar mixture, beating on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy, approximately 30 seconds.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, neutral oil, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lavender extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
  6. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in batches, mixing well after each addition. For the last addition, beat just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender texture.
  7. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the sticky dough into the prepared pan. To smooth it out evenly, spray your hand or a spatula with nonstick cooking spray and gently press the dough flat, covering the base uniformly.
  8. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center sets firmly.
  9. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan. This step is crucial before adding the glaze to prevent melting.
  10. Prepare Lemon Lavender Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lavender extract. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more lemon juice or powdered sugar until it is smooth and easily pourable.
  11. Glaze the Bars: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled bars. If desired, sprinkle dried culinary lavender flowers on top for a decorative and aromatic touch.
  12. Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set completely. For quicker setting, refrigerate the pan for about 15 minutes.
  13. Serve and Store: Slice the bars once the glaze is firm. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store the bars refrigerated for up to one week or at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Notes

  • Measure lavender extract carefully as it is potent; too much can result in a bitter flavor.
  • Use neutral oils like canola or grapeseed to avoid overpowering the delicate lemon and lavender flavors.
  • Press the dough evenly using a nonstick sprayed spatula or hand to ensure uniform baking.
  • For a firmer glaze, refrigerate the bars before slicing.
  • These bars keep well refrigerated and can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Keywords: lemon lavender cookie bars, lemon bars, floral dessert, lemon glaze, easy baked treats, spring dessert, cookie bars with glaze

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/lemon-lavender-cookie-bars-recipe/