Experience the delightful combination of tart lemon and sweet cherry in these Pink Lemonade Cookie Bars. The soft, buttery bars are infused with fresh lemon zest and a hint of lemon extract, creating a bright, citrusy base. Topped with a creamy pink lemonade frosting, these bars are both visually appealing and deliciously refreshing. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, these cookie bars will add a pop of color and flavor to any dessert table.
Why You'll Love This:
These cookie bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, offering a refreshing twist on traditional cookie bars. The addition of cornstarch to the batter ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The pink lemonade frosting not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the lemony flavor with a subtle hint of cherry. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Perfect Occasion:
These Pink Lemonade Cookie Bars are ideal for any celebration, from baby showers and birthday parties to summer picnics and barbecues. Their bright color and tangy flavor make them a great choice for spring and summer events. They are also perfect for a sweet treat any day of the week, adding a little sunshine to your snack time.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle pink confetti sprinkles over the frosting before it sets. You can also garnish with thin lemon slices or edible flowers for a more elegant presentation. If you want to make them even more special, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Ingredients List:
- For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups (191 grams) All-Purpose Flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons (20 grams) Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) Sugar
- Zest of 2 medium Lemons
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Pure Lemon Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- For the Pink Lemonade Frosting:
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120 grams) Powdered Sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Cherry Extract
- Dash of Fine Sea Salt
- 1 tiny drop Pink Gel Food Coloring
- Pink Confetti Sprinkles
- Prepare the Cookie Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a couple of inches of overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of sugar, and the zest of 2 medium lemons until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 1 large egg until fully incorporated, then add 1 teaspoon of pure lemon extract and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Bake the Cookie Bars:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges start to turn light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, remove from the pan using the parchment paper overhang as handles.
- Prepare the Pink Lemonade Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of pure cherry extract, and a dash of fine sea salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add a tiny drop of pink gel food coloring and mix until the frosting is evenly colored.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Spread the pink lemonade frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
- Sprinkle with pink confetti sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Allow the frosting to set slightly before cutting into squares.
Enjoy these delightful pink lemonade cookie bars, perfect for adding a touch of sunshine to any occasion. Enjoy!