Simple Little Lemonies Recipe: Tangy Treats for Sweet Cravings

Zesty little lemonies dance between tangy brightness and sweet comfort, promising a delightful dessert adventure.

Citrus lovers will adore this compact treat that packs incredible flavor into every bite.

Compact squares of sunshine burst with lemon essence, making them irresistible for any gathering.

Soft, moist, and utterly charming, these miniature bars capture the essence of pure joy.

Each morsel delivers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that will make you swoon.

Creamy and light, these lemonies offer a refreshing twist on traditional dessert expectations.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these incredible lemony delights.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that brings instant happiness to your taste buds.

Little Lemonies Highlights

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: Packed with bright, tangy lemon notes that dance on your taste buds and bring a refreshing twist to traditional dessert bars.
• Master Baking Simplified: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring basic mixing techniques and straightforward ingredients that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal preparation steps and simple ingredients make these lemonies an ideal dessert for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations without complex cooking techniques.
• Versatile Treat Options: Adaptable to different serving temperatures and perfect for making ahead, these lemonies can be chilled or served at room temperature, making them convenient for various occasions and meal endings.

Ingredients for Little Lemonies

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple baking ingredient that provides structure to the lemonies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
• Baking Powder: Helps the lemonies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the lemonies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture.
• Lemon Juice: Delivers a bright, tangy citrus flavor to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense lemon flavor and aromatic citrus notes.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tartness and helps create the glaze consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Reinforces the lemon flavor in the glaze.

How to Make Little Lemonies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy lifting later.

If you don’t have parchment paper, generously grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and zesty lemon shavings.

Stir these ingredients together until they’re well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Whole eggs
• Extra egg yolk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Make sure everything is blended smoothly.

Step 4: Create The Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until you have a silky-smooth batter with no lumps hanging around.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to make sure it’s nice and level.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the lemonies cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here!

Step 8: Whip Up The Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Stir until the glaze is smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Glaze And Chill

Pour the glaze over the cooled lemonies, making sure it covers every inch evenly.

Pop the pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to let the glaze set.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Use the parchment paper handles to lift the lemonies out of the pan.

Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Get ready for a burst of lemony goodness!

Tips for Little Lemonies

• Opt for fresh, high-quality lemons to enhance the vibrant citrus flavor and ensure zesty brightness in every bite.
• Check oven temperature accuracy with a reliable thermometer to prevent uneven baking and maintain the perfect tender texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the lemonies light and delicate, stopping just when ingredients are combined.
• Chill the lemonies before serving to help the glaze set beautifully and intensify the lemony taste.
• Try adding lemon extract for an extra punch of citrus flavor if you desire a more intense lemon profile.

Variations of Little Lemonies

• Gluten-Free Lemonies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic lemon bar texture.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create a dairy-free glaze using powdered sugar and plant-based milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a sugar-free powdered sugar alternative for the glaze to create a lower-carb lemon dessert.
• Zesty Orange Variation: Replace lemon juice and zest with fresh orange juice and orange zest, transforming the classic lemon bars into a bright, citrusy orange-flavored treat.

Pairings for Little Lemonies

• Pair these tangy lemonies with a crisp, chilled lavender lemonade to enhance the citrusy notes and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Serve alongside a smooth vanilla bean gelato or light cream cheese frosting to balance the bright lemon flavor and add a luxurious texture.
• Match with a light, slightly sweet Moscato d'Asti or a sparkling Prosecco to complement the dessert's bright, zesty profile and cleanse the palate.
• Brew a delicate chamomile or earl grey tea to harmonize with the lemonies' subtle sweetness and provide a soothing, aromatic accompaniment.

Storage Advice for Little Lemonies

• Refrigerate: Store lemonies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual lemonies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll keep perfectly for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep lemonies at room temperature for only 1-2 hours. Their delicate glaze and moist texture require cool storage to prevent spoiling.
• Reheating: Warm slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to preserve their soft, tender consistency and prevent the glaze from melting completely.

FAQs

• What makes these lemonies different from traditional brownies?

Unlike brownies, these lemonies have a bright, tangy lemon flavor and a soft, cake-like texture that’s lighter and more refreshing.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with a consistent pale yellow color. Mix until ingredients are just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the lemonies tough.

Little Lemonies Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful little lemonies showcase a perfect balance of zesty lemon and sweet shortbread. Buttery bars melt in your mouth, offering a refreshing citrus twist that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 113 g (4 oz) salted butter (melted and cooled)
• 159 g (5.6 oz) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 142 g (5 oz) all-purpose flour
• Zest from 1 large lemon
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 86 g (3 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch pan by lining with parchment paper or greasing thoroughly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a uniform batter forms without lumps.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with minimal moist crumbs.
7. Remove from oven and allow the lemonies to cool completely at room temperature.
8. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and free of lumps.
9. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the lemonies, ensuring even and complete coverage.
10. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set the glaze, then lift out of the pan using parchment overhangs and slice into squares.
11. Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is completely cooled before mixing to prevent egg scrambling and maintain smooth batter consistency.
• Grate fresh lemon zest directly into dry ingredients for maximum flavor infusion and aromatic intensity.
• Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration and more even baking results.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining identical measurement proportions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 249 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 81 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 76 mg