Ingredients

The following ingredients have 18 Servings
  • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup fresh raspberries
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 drops yellow food coloring
  • additional raspberries (for topping)

Instruction

  • Prep: Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. Then, great a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
  • Also, wash the fresh raspberries and ensure all stems/leaves are removed. If you are using a fresh lemon, zest it for the required measurements for the batter and frosting and then squeeze for the lemon juice as well.
  • Cookie dough: In a medium sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for about 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy. Next, add in the egg, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  • Now, slowly add in the flour mixture, while stirring, until everything is incorporated. After that, fold in the fresh raspberries and mix once more.
  • Bake: Proceed to press the batter into the prepared greased baking dish (or a bakers quarter sheet like I used) and spread it out evenly with your hands or a rubber spatula. Bake the sugar cookie bars for 15-17 minutes or until the edges have just started to turn golden. Be sure to allow the cookie bars to cool completely before adding the frosting.
  • Frosting: In a large bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice zest, milk, vanilla extract, powder sugar, food coloring (if desired) and use an electric mixer to combine ingredients well. Beat the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy. You can add more powdered sugar or milk if needed, until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Assemble: Proceed to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bar, then cut into squares and serve with additional raspberries on top. Enjoy!