Description
Indulge in Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars! These treats combine zesty lemon and juicy blueberries for a perfect sweet snack. Enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Acts as the base for the batter, providing richness and moisture. Room temperature butter is key for proper creaming with sugars.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the structure of the bars.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Introduces a hint of molasses flavor and moisture, enhancing the texture of the bars.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and adding a touch of richness to the batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the bars.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure ingredient that gives the bars their body and chewy consistency.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars to rise slightly.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Another leavening agent that aids in the bars’ light texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the overall sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: The star ingredient, providing bursts of juicy flavor throughout the bars.
- Zest & juice of 1 lemon: Adds a refreshing tang that complements the sweetness of the blueberries and white chocolate.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: For drizzling, they lend a creamy, sweet finish to the bars.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Incorporate 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing well until completely combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in the blueberries: Gently fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, the zest & juice of 1 lemon, ensuring even distribution without breaking the berries.
- Spread the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and drizzle: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, melt 1 cup white chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler, then drizzle over the cooled bars.
- Cut and serve: Allow the chocolate to set before cutting the bars into squares for serving. Enjoy!