German Christmas bars

• tempo total: 21 minutes

Ingredientes

For the bars

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

For the glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1–2 tablespoons lemon juice

1–2 teaspoons warm water, as needed

Instruções

Step 1 — Prepare the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2 — Cream the butter: Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and creamy.

Step 3 — Add wet ingredients: Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

Step 4 — Add dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold them into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 5 — Shape: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 6 — Bake: Bake for approximately 18–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is cooked through. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 7 — Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice. Add warm water a little at a time until the icing is smooth and spreadable.

Step 8 — Glaze: Spread the icing evenly over the cooled slab.

Step 9 — Cut: Let the icing set, then cut into long rectangular bars.

Step 10 — Rest for flavor: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Try one after cooling, then taste again after a day or two to see how the flavor and texture develop. Follow a tested storage method if making a traditional long-aged Christmas cookie.