Description
Irresistible blueberry lemon cookie bars blend zesty citrus with sweet summer berries in a perfect dessert harmony. Smooth buttery layers promise pure comfort, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh blueberries
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
- Fresh blueberries (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the butter mixture, blending until fully integrated and fragrant.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
- Carefully add fresh blueberries to the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure each bar will have a burst of fruity flavor.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden edges and a set center, which indicates the bars are perfectly cooked.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, helping them set and maintain their texture.
- Melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in short intervals until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled bars in an artistic pattern, creating an elegant and decadent finish.
- Garnish with additional fresh blueberries and a light sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile.
- Slice into squares and serve, enjoying the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Protect blueberries from sinking by lightly coating them in flour before folding into the batter, preventing them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
- Achieve perfect texture by avoiding overmixing the dough, which can make the bars tough and dense instead of soft and tender.
- Enhance flavor complexity by using fresh lemon zest and high-quality vanilla extract, intensifying the citrusy and aromatic notes in the cookie bars.
- Customize for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend, dairy-free white chocolate, and plant-based butter for a versatile allergen-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 229
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 62 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg