Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars

$To make the best Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars, gather these fresh and tasty ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 cups fresh blueberries - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. The butter adds richness, while the sugars bring sweetness. Eggs help bind everything. The flour gives structure, and the baking powder and baking soda help the bars rise. Lemon zest and juice add bright, fresh flavor. Blueberries bring natural sweetness and juicy bursts. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy the process, and let the flavors shine! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets the oven ready for baking. Next, grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan. Lining with parchment paper helps the bars come out easily. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar. Beat them together until the mix is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and the zest of 1 lemon to add that fresh flavor. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined; we want to avoid over-mixing. Pour in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, then gently fold in 2 cups of fresh blueberries. Be careful not to break the blueberries; they add a lovely burst of flavor. Once everything is mixed, pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Now, it's time to bake! Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should turn lightly golden, and the center should be set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cookie bars are ready. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier sections. Enjoy your baking! Using room temperature ingredients is key. When your butter and eggs are warm, they mix better. This helps create a light and airy texture in your cookie bars. Cold butter can lead to dense bars, which we want to avoid. Mix the batter just until combined. Over-mixing can make the bars tough. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, then add the blueberries. This keeps them intact and ensures a soft bite. Dusting with powdered sugar gives a nice touch. It adds sweetness and looks pretty. I like to use a fine sieve to sprinkle it evenly on top. For gatherings, serve the bars on a colorful platter. You can add fresh blueberries and lemon slices as decoration. This makes the dessert more inviting and fun. One common mistake is overbaking the cookie bars. Keep an eye on them in the oven. They should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. A toothpick should come out clean but not dry. Another mistake is not using fresh ingredients. Fresh blueberries burst with flavor. If they are old, your bars will taste bland. Always choose the best produce for the best results. For the full recipe, check the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of these cookie bars. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle in shredded coconut for a tropical twist. If you want to switch up the berries, try raspberries or strawberries. For a refreshing zing, use lime instead of lemon. Each change gives a new flavor to enjoy. If you need gluten-free options, swap out regular flour for almond or oat flour. Both work great and keep the bars soft. For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use vegan butter to keep the texture rich and delicious. These adjustments make the cookie bars friendly for all diets. You can serve these cookie bars in fun ways. Layer them with yogurt and fruit for a tasty dessert parfait. This adds a delightful texture and flavor mix. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This makes the bars even more indulgent. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your blueberry lemon cookie bars fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag for best results. When stored properly, your cookie bars will last about a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they stay fresh for about two weeks. If you freeze them, they will maintain good quality for three months. Check for signs of spoilage. Look for any mold or an off smell. If they feel hard or dry, they might not taste good. Always trust your senses when enjoying these delicious treats! For the full recipe, check above. You can easily make these cookie bars gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works in baking. You may also add a bit of xanthan gum. This helps bind the ingredients together. Start with 1 teaspoon per cup of gluten-free flour. It will give your bars a great texture. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to rinse them first. This helps remove extra ice. You may want to add them straight from the freezer to the batter. This prevents them from becoming mushy. They will bake well and taste delicious in your cookie bars. If you want to make these bars vegan, there are great substitutes for eggs. You can use flaxseed meal and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Another option is unsweetened applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. You can tell the cookie bars are done when the edges turn golden brown. Use a toothpick to check the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The texture should be soft but set. Let them cool before cutting for the best results. In this post, we explored making delicious lemon blueberry cookie bars. You learned the key ingredients and followed step-by-step instructions for perfect results. I shared tips for texture, common mistakes, and fun variations to try. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Store your cookie bars properly for lasting freshness. Enjoy these tasty treats at home or share them with friends. Your baking skills will shine!$

Indulge in the delightful taste of Blueberry Lemon Bliss Cookie Bars! These scrumptious treats combine the tartness of fresh blueberries with zesty lemon for a refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you'll create a batch that will wow your friends and family. Ready to bake something amazing? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a burst of flavor!

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups fresh blueberries

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Pour in the fresh lemon juice and gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to break them.

Pour the cookie bar batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, if desired. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12-16

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cookie bars on a decorative platter and garnish with additional blueberries and lemon slices for a lovely visual touch.