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These delightful bars bring a burst of sunshine and a creamy tang to the beloved sugar cookie. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s as light and refreshing as a warm spring day.
Ingredients
- 1 box of sugar cookie mix (plus required ingredients as listed on the package)
- 1 cup softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Begin by preparing the sugar cookie dough according to the box instructions. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 pan, ensuring it forms a smooth and level base. Bake as directed until golden around the edges, then set the pan on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie crust to cool completely so the topping can spread without melting.
While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until the cream becomes fluffy and speckled with lemon zest. Spread this sweet, tangy layer over the cooled sugar cookie base, making sure to reach every corner. Refrigerate for at least one hour to let the bars set.
When you’re ready to serve, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. These bars are perfect on a sunny afternoon or as a cheerful close to any meal. The bright citrus punch and airy cream cheese topping make a delightful contrast to the buttery sugar cookie crust.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or entertaining friends, these bars offer mouthwatering flavor in a simple, approachable package. If you’d like to lighten them up, swap the full-fat cream cheese for a reduced-fat version or cut back on the powdered sugar. Try adding fresh berries on top for extra color, or experiment with lime zest for a slightly different spin. No matter how you customize them, the bright burst of citrus will keep everyone smiling and coming back for more.
