Soft Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars (Dairy-Free, Egg-Free & Nut-Free)
There's something about fresh lemons that instantly makes a dessert feel like summer. These Soft Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars are everything you love about a classic sugar cookie; soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, but with bright citrus flavor in every bite. Made in one pan and finished with a simple lemon glaze, they're an easy dessert that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or anytime you're craving a fresh, sunny treat. Even better, they're completely dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- ¾ cup vegan butter, softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- 2Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and zest of 2 lemons, rub the zest into the sugar for 30 seconds. Add the vegan butter and beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Mix in the applesauce, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- 3Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 4Bake
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake. The bars should remain soft.
- 5Cool
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
- 6Make the Lemon Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla. Add enough lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Adding more lemon juice until thickness is spreadable. Spread or drizzle over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before slicing into 16 squares.
