Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The batter might look slightly curdled at this stage because of the acidity of the lemon, but do not worry; it will smooth out once you add the dry ingredients.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or use a spatula to fold everything together until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want for that perfect biscotti bar texture.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a damp spatula or damp fingers to smooth out the top since the dough is sticky. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- Once cooled slightly, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. While they are still warm, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together to create a thick glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the bars. Slice them into long, thin rectangles to mimic the shape of traditional biscotti. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes