Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- Additional lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some extra parchment paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later. This makes it much easier to lift the brownies out of the pan once they’re done, so they don’t stick. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Make sure everything is well combined. Whisking helps to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps in your brownie batter. - Cream the Butter and Add Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter. Beat the butter for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This ensures a smooth batter. Once the eggs are mixed in, add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix until the lemon flavor is well distributed. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can make the brownies dense instead of light and airy. Mix just until everything is combined, and you have a smooth batter. - Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter so it’s even. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the brownies are ready. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can lead to dry brownies. - Prepare the Glaze
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice for a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker glaze. Once the glaze is smooth and pourable, set it aside. - Glaze and Garnish
Once the brownies have cooled completely in the pan, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Place the brownies on a cutting board or serving platter. Pour the glaze over the top of the brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle some additional lemon zest on top for extra flavor and a burst of color. - Slice and Serve
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing the brownies into squares or rectangles. The glaze will harden slightly, creating a smooth, glossy finish. Now your Lemon Brownies are ready to serve!
Notes
- Butter Softening: It’s important to use softened butter in this recipe. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave the butter for about 10-15 seconds to soften it, but be careful not to melt it.
- Measuring Flour: When measuring your flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the flour bag can cause the flour to be packed down, leading to an inaccurate measurement.
- Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your brownies towards the end of the baking time. If you overbake them, they can become dry, so aim for a toothpick that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick to pour, add a little more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Substituting Ingredients: If you want to make the recipe more tailored to your dietary needs or preferences, feel free to experiment with substitutions. Just remember that altering the ingredients can affect the texture and taste, so make adjustments with care.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes