Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a sweet, buttery sugar cookie crust with a tangy lemon cheesecake filling, topped with a crumbly sugar cookie layer. This treat offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal choice for lemon enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

For the Sugar Cookie Crust:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup butter, at room temperature

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
  

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, divided

• 1/2 cup sugar
  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square baking dish with foil and spray it liberally with non-stick cooking spray.

• In a bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed for 2 minutes.

• Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the flour (1/2 cup at a time), mixing just until the dough comes together.

• Press half of the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

• Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling. Store the remaining sugar cookie dough in a bowl in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  
  

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a medium bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon zest until smooth and creamy.

• Pour the filling over the cooled crust.

• Top the filling with the remaining sugar cookie dough by crumbling it evenly over the top.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the cookie crumble is light golden in color.

• Top with the remaining lemon zest as desired.
  
  

Serving and Nutritional Information:

This recipe yields approximately 9 servings. Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. For a precise breakdown, use a nutritional calculator or app.