Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Fruity: The zesty lemon and juicy blueberries create a refreshing, flavorful treat.
- Elegant Presentation: The white chocolate drizzle and garnish make these bars a visually stunning dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s an afternoon snack, a party, or a bake sale, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the White Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh blueberries
- Lemon zest
Directions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they remain intact.
- Bake the Cookie Bars:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the White Chocolate Glaze:
- Combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookie bars.
- Garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, over the glaze for added texture.
- Different Fruits: Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a new flavor twist.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Replace the white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If desired, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
2. What can I use instead of white chocolate for the drizzle?
You can substitute with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a lemon glaze.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, the egg with a flax egg, and the white chocolate with vegan white chocolate.
4. How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking?
Toss the blueberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the dough.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
6. Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
Not necessarily, but refrigeration extends their freshness.
7. Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide a more vibrant flavor.
8. Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes, a buttery streusel topping would complement these bars wonderfully.
9. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
10. What type of pan should I use?
A standard 9×13-inch pan works best, but you can adjust the size for thicker or thinner bars.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle are a bright and flavorful dessert that’s as delicious as they are beautiful. Perfect for any event or casual indulgence, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try and savor the delightful harmony of citrus, berry, and sweet white chocolate!