Lemon Brownies Recipe

These lemon brownies are an old-fashioned sort of treat. They are not fancy, but they are awfully good. Soft and buttery, with just enough lemon to taste fresh and cheerful, they sit somewhere between a brownie and a blondie. I used to make pans like this when company was coming, because they mixed up fast and always disappeared just as quickly. The glaze on top is sweet with a little tart bite, and it soaks right in while the brownies are still warm.

Ingredients

For the brownies

• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the glaze

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1/2 lemon

Equipment

• 8 by 8 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or wooden spoon
• Fine grater for lemon zest

Directions

1. Prepare the pan
   Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 by 8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper so the brownies lift out easily.
2. Mix the butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and creamy.
3. Add the eggs and lemon juice
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the lemon juice.
4. Add the dry ingredients
   Mix in the flour and baking powder just until blended. Do not overmix.
5. Bake
   Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Make the glaze
   Stir together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
7. Glaze and cool
   Spoon the glaze over the warm brownies and spread it gently. Let them cool completely before cutting into 16 squares.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

• Always use fresh lemons. The zest gives the best flavor.
• Do not bake too long. These should stay soft in the middle.
• Let them cool before cutting so the glaze can set.
• These are nice with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

Nutrition Information

Each brownie has about 124 calories, with carbohydrates 17g, protein 1g, fat 5g, saturated fat 3g, cholesterol 31mg, sodium 52mg, potassium 28mg, sugar 13g, vitamin A 185IU, vitamin C 0.8mg, calcium 12mg, and iron 0.4mg.

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

If you make a pan of these lemon brownies, I hope they bring a little sunshine to your kitchen, the way they always did to mine.

Storage and FAQs