Lemon Zest Buttery Brownies (Printable)
Rich buttery brownies brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
# 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
04 - Gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
06 - For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies and sprinkle with extra zest if desired. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The lemon cuts through the richness in the most surprising way, making each bite feel lighter than traditional brownies
- They strike that perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing, like dessert and sunshine all at once
02 -
- Overmixing the batter will make these tough instead of tender—fold gently and stop as soon as the flour disappears
- The glaze must go on completely cooled brownies, or it will melt into a thin glaze rather than staying spreadable
03 -
- Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the melted butter mixture, preventing any seizing
- Let the glaze sit for 10 minutes after spreading before slicing to give it time to set up slightly