Lemon Zest Buttery Brownies (Printable)
Rich, buttery bars infused with bright lemon zest for a refreshing twist on classic chocolate squares.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Glaze
10 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
11 - 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - Additional lemon zest for garnish
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it overhangs slightly for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well blended. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
04 - Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes until center is just set and edges are lightly golden.
06 - Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.
07 - Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled brownies and sprinkle with additional lemon zest if desired.
08 - Cut into 16 equal squares and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The buttery texture practically melts on your tongue while the lemon wakes up every taste bud
- These come together in under an hour but taste like you spent all afternoon baking something special
02 -
- Overmixing the batter will make these tough instead of tender, so stop as soon as the flour disappears
- These must cool completely before glazing or the icing will melt right off
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a better crumb structure
- A glass baking dish will give you chewier edges, while metal produces more evenly browned bars