If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly balances bright citrus with floral elegance, this Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute dream come true. These bars offer a delicate, buttery base infused with fresh lemon zest and a whisper of lavender, topped with a luscious lemon glaze that’s fragrant, sweet, and just a little bit fancy. Perfect for afternoon tea, gifting, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is both approachable and impressive, making it one of my all-time favorite desserts to whip up and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars Recipe calls for simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches that together create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the citrus zest giving a sunny brightness, to the lavender extract adding that subtle floral note that makes these bars truly unique.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for greasing the pan so the bars release perfectly without sticking.
- Zest of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Adds vibrant tang and aromatic freshness right into the cookie dough.
- ¾ cup sugar: Balances the tartness and sweetens the dough gently without overpowering.
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened: Creates that rich, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds everything together with the right moisture and lift.
- 1 tablespoon canola or grapeseed oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender with a neutral flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Packs in brightness and sharp citrus notes in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, comforting undertone that rounds out the citrus and floral flavors.
- ½ teaspoon lavender extract: This little ingredient is the star for the signature floral aroma—measure carefully!
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while maintaining a tender crumb.
- 1½ teaspoons cornstarch: Keeps the bars light and soft by cutting down on gluten strength.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Offers gentle lift so the bars bake up with a delicate crumb.
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with even rising and soft texture.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a silky, sweet topping that melts on your tongue.
- Zest of ½ a lemon (about 1 tablespoon, for glaze): Punches up the glaze with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons, for glaze): Adds necessary acidity to make the glaze tangy and smooth.
- ⅛ teaspoon lavender extract (for glaze): A gentle floral note to echo the lavender in the bars themselves.
- Dried culinary lavender flowers, for garnish (optional): Adds a charming touch and hint of extra lavender scent on top.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Give the parchment a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bars come out without any trouble. This simple prep sets you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest
In your mixer bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Take a moment to rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until the mixture is wonderfully fragrant. This step unlocks the oils in the zest and infuses the entire dough with zingy lemon aroma—a small gesture with big flavor payoff.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Blend Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter to the sugar and zest mix and beat it until fluffy and creamy, about 30 seconds. Then, incorporate the egg, oil, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and carefully measured lavender extract. Mixing these wet ingredients well ensures every bite bursts with those bright citrus and delicate floral notes.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Mixing these dry components thoroughly avoids clumps and prepares the base for a tender crumb structure in your bars.
Step 5: Bring it All Together Into Dough
Add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing well after each addition but being careful not to overmix after the last addition. The dough will be sticky, so spray your hand or spatula with cooking spray and press the dough evenly into the prepared pan for an even bake and perfect texture.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your bars for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are a lovely golden color and the center has set. This timing ensures a tender but fully cooked bar, soft with just enough structure to hold together when sliced.
Step 7: Prepare and Apply Lemon Lavender Glaze
While the bars cool completely, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a touch of lavender extract to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Pour this glossy topping over the cooled bars and sprinkle with dried lavender flowers if using. Let the glaze set completely before slicing — chilling in the fridge for a bit speeds this up and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle dried culinary lavender flowers over the glaze just before it sets. The delicate purple petals add a visual wow factor and enhance the alluring floral aroma, making these bars feel like a special occasion treat no matter when you serve them.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, particularly Earl Grey or chamomile, which complement the lemon and lavender notes flawlessly. For a more indulgent experience, drizzle a little honey over fresh berries and serve alongside the bars for a fruity contrast that’s fresh and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars chilled in pretty little paper cups or on a tiered dessert stand to showcase their delicate appearance. For gifting, pack them in a decorative box with parchment or tissue paper, tied with a ribbon. The light fragrance and bright color will wow anyone lucky enough to receive them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed and sliced, store your Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week or to share with guests over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars before glazing by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then glaze fresh for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
These bars are delightful served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating usually isn’t needed. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the butter slightly without melting the glaze completely.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried lavender for lavender extract?
While dried lavender flowers are wonderful for garnish, they don’t substitute well for the extract in the dough or glaze since they don’t infuse the same concentrated flavor. Use the extract sparingly as directed for the best floral note.
Is lavender extract safe to use in baking?
Yes! Culinary lavender extract is specially made for cooking and baking. Just be sure to measure carefully since its flavor is quite potent and can easily overpower if too much is used.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of canola or grapeseed?
Absolutely. Any neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or light olive oil will work. Avoid strong-flavored oils so they don’t clash with the delicate lemon and lavender flavors.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Look for golden edges and a set center. The bars should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make these bars gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually straightforward and fun to make. The fresh lemon zest, gentle lavender, and buttery crumb combine into something truly special that will brighten any day. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and bake up a batch to share the joy of this beautiful flavor combination with everyone you love.
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Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Lemon Lavender Cookie Bars combine a delightful citrusy lemon flavor infused with subtle floral notes of lavender, baked to a tender and buttery texture. Topped with a smooth lemon lavender glaze and optional dried lavender flowers, these bars are perfect for an elegant dessert or a refreshing snack, offering a balance of sweet and fragrant flavors.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Zest of 1 lemon (roughly 2 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)
- 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 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
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spray the parchment and sides with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Using your hands, rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant to release the lemon oils and enhance flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Add softened butter to the sugar mixture and beat for about 30 seconds until the mixture is fluffy and creamy, ensuring proper incorporation of fats for tender bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, neutral oil, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lavender extract until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing well after each addition. Beat only until just combined with the last addition to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bars.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the sticky dough into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or your hand sprayed with nonstick spray, press the dough evenly into the pan to form a smooth, consistent layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature; this is important before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a clean bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lavender extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding small amounts of sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Glaze the Bars: Pour the lemon lavender glaze over the cooled bars, spreading evenly. Optionally, sprinkle with dried culinary lavender flowers for a decorative floral touch.
- Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to fully set. For faster setting, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Serve and Store: Slice into bars and enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week or at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
- Measure lavender extract carefully, as too much can create a bitter or overpowering flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest lemon flavor.
- Press dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting or sliding off.
- Store bars in an airtight container for best freshness.
- The bars can be served chilled or room temperature according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
