Lemon Cookie Bars
Lemon Cookie Bars offer a delightful combination of buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and sweet powdered sugar topping, perfect for gatherings or a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat margarine, sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Mix in the flour until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half.
- Shape each half into a log about 14 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
- Place the logs on a greased baking sheet.
- Make a depression down the center of each log, about 0.5 inches wide.
- Spoon lemon pie filling into the depressions, mounding slightly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until tops are set and bottoms are golden.
- Let cool for 2 minutes, then loosen bottoms with a spatula.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and cool completely before slicing into 1-inch pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure the margarine is softened but not melted before mixing. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough. These bars can also be topped with a lemon glaze for an extra citrus punch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lemon cookie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the tartness. They make a delightful dessert for gatherings or brunch. Pair with a refreshing iced tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. For reheating, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain their softness without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Cookie Bars contains roughly 324 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in the recipe. It will give the bars a richer flavor and slightly different texture, but they will still turn out delicious.
What can I use instead of lemon pie filling?
If you don't have lemon pie filling, you can make a simple lemon curd or use a mixture of lemon juice and sugar cooked until thickened. This will provide a similar sweet and tangy filling for the bars.
Can these bars be frozen?
Absolutely! After baking and cooling, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).