Lemon Bars #FilltheCookieJar

A tender butter cookie crust covered with a creamy, bright, lemon filling with the top having just the right amount of crunch makes these bars perfect for our Summer themed Fill the Cookie Jar event.

This recipe comes from Ina Garten.  She sprinkled hers with powdered sugar which would probably make for a prettier presentation.

However, I, personally, love the look of that tender top crust that forms when you make lemon bars. These bars are perfect to take to a potluck picnic this summer.  They are sure to be a hit.

Our friend, Cynthia of Feeding Big, invites us all to post our Cookie recipes on the first Thursday of each month.  You will find a lot more Summer cookies following my recipe.

Lemon Bars

slightly adapted from Ina Garten

2 sticks butter, room temperature

3 1/2 c. sugar, divided

2 c. flour

pinch of salt

6 eggs

zest of 3 lemons

1 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

1 c. flour

Cream together the butter and a 1/2 cup of the sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the flour and salt.  Mix at low speed until incorporated.  Increase speed and mix until combined. Press the dough into the bottom of a 9x3x2" baking pan.  Place in refrigerator while oven preheats to 350*.  Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.

Whisk together the eggs, 3 cups of sugar, zest, lemon juice and flour until smooth.  Pour over the crust and return to the oven for another 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set.  Cool to room temperature before cutting.  Print Recipe

Make sure you take some time to see what the other home bakers have been creating. 

•  S'mores Sandwich Cookies by Jolene's Recipe Journal 
• Pink Lemonade Cookies by Palatable Pastime 
• Lemon Bars by A Day In The Life on the Farm 
• Double Strawberry Hazelnut Cookies by Cindy's Recipes and Writings 
• Red White and Blue Striped Tuiles by That Recipe 
• Easy Whoopie Pies with Ice Cream by Organized 31 
• Red, White and Blue Cookies by Cookaholic Wife 
• Basil Lime Cookies by Join Us, Pull Up a Chair
• Orange Drop Cookies by Big Rigs n' Lil' Cookies