Lemon Bar Cookies

Vegan Lemon Bar Cookies Recipe from USA | Easy-to-Make Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Lemon Bar Cookies are a delightful and tangy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. These sweet and citrusy treats are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Lemon Bar Cookies can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. This recipe has been a popular choice for dessert lovers for many years due to its refreshing flavor and simple preparation.

Ingredients

1 cup of soft butter
0.5 cup of powdered sugar
2 cups of flour
a dash of iodized salt
4 beaten eggs
0.25 cup of flour
2 cups of brown granulated sugar
6 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
grated rind of 2 lemons

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, flour, and salt. Mix well.
Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
Bake at 350° F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
In another bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add beaten eggs, lemon juice, and rind. Mix well.
Pour the mixture onto the slightly cooled crust.
Bake at 350° F for 25 minutes or until the filling is set.
Allow to cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Serve cold, plain, or with other desserts.

Variations

Add a layer of raspberry jam between the crust and filling for a fruity twist.
Substitute lime juice for the lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
Top the bars with a meringue topping for a more elegant presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry.

- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the filling.

- Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Bar Cookies can be served on their own as a sweet treat, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Lemon Bar Cookies is to bake the crust until lightly browned before adding the filling. This helps to ensure that the bars have a crisp and sturdy base.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, fresh lemon juice will provide a more vibrant flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon Bar Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For a more elegant presentation, cut the bars into small squares and serve on a decorative platter. You can also garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon Bar Cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also go well with a glass of sparkling wine for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lemon Bar Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon Bar Cookies contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon Bar Cookies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon Bar Cookies contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon Bar Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon Bar Cookies are a good source of vitamin C due to the fresh lemon juice used in the recipe.

Alergens

Lemon Bar Cookies contain dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

Lemon Bar Cookies are a delicious dessert option that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Lemon Bar Cookies are a classic dessert that is loved by many for their bright and zesty flavor. With a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I had been invited to my friend Margaret's house for a garden party. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of freshly baked lemon bar cookies. I couldn't resist asking Margaret for the recipe, and she happily obliged.

Margaret explained to me that the recipe had been passed down in her family for generations. Her grandmother had learned it from a neighbor who had immigrated from France and brought the recipe with her. Since then, it had become a staple at family gatherings and special occasions.

I was determined to learn how to make these delicious lemon bar cookies myself. Margaret graciously invited me back to her house the following week to teach me the recipe. As we stood side by side in her sunny kitchen, she explained each step in detail, from mixing the butter and sugar to zesting the lemons for the perfect tangy flavor.

I quickly realized that making lemon bar cookies was more than just following a recipe - it was an art form. Margaret showed me how to press the dough into the pan just right, so that it would bake evenly and have the perfect texture. She also shared her secret for getting the lemon filling just the right consistency - a delicate balance of sweet and tart.

After several hours of baking and checking on the cookies in the oven, we finally pulled out a batch of golden brown lemon bar cookies that looked and smelled divine. I couldn't wait to try one, and when I did, I was instantly transported back to Margaret's garden party, surrounded by friends and laughter.

From that day on, lemon bar cookies became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, dinner parties, and just for myself on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Each time I made them, I would think of Margaret and the joy she had brought into my life with this simple recipe.

Over the years, I have adapted the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Sometimes I add a touch of lavender for a floral twist, or sprinkle toasted coconut on top for some crunch. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of those first lemon bar cookies I made with Margaret always remains.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scent of baking cookies, I can't help but feel grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each one tells a story, a piece of history that has been passed down through the generations.

And so, as I take another batch of lemon bar cookies out of the oven, I am reminded of Margaret and the joy she brought into my life with a simple recipe. I know that as long as I have her recipe in my repertoire, I will always have a piece of her with me, baking in my kitchen and filling my home with love.