The Best Lemon Cookie Bars

These tender cookie bars have lemon zest and a crunchy sugar crust ! A beautiful combination of sweet and tart, these cookie bars will be a treat for you and/or anyone who loves lemon desserts!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•  1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
•  1/2 teaspoon salt
•  1 tablespoon lemon zest
•  1 1/2 cups sugar
•  1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
•  2 eggs,  room temperature
•  1 tablespoon lemon juice
•  1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
•  3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1. Preheat to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9- by 13-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
4. In a large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat butter until creamy. 
5. Blend in sugar and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. 
6. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, and add the lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Blend until just smooth.
7. Stir in the flour mixture until well combined. 
8. Spread in a layer in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter.
9. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!