Description
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars feature a buttery sugar cookie crust layered with a creamy lemon cheesecake filling and topped with crumbled sugar cookie dough. Finished with fresh lemon zest, these bars are bright, rich, and perfect for any dessert table.
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookie Crust:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest, divided
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Beat together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Refrigerate the remaining dough while the crust cools.
- Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Sprinkle with the remaining lemon zest before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American