These Lemony Lemon Brownies are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a soft, chewy texture and a tangy lemon glaze that takes them over the top. They’re incredibly easy to make, yet so delicious and refreshing. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to prepare them:
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of the brownie texture.
- 2 large eggs – These provide structure and moisture to the brownies.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest – The zest adds a burst of fresh lemon flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter, balancing out the tartness from the lemon.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice gives the glaze its vibrant tang.
- 8 teaspoons lemon zest – Adds additional zing and flavor to the glaze.
- 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) – Sweetens the glaze and helps it set to a smooth, thick consistency.
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when your brownies go in.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a thin layer of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set this aside while you prepare the batter.
- Zest and Juice the Lemons:
- Zest and juice two large lemons. You’ll need the zest for both the brownies and the glaze, so make sure to divide it accordingly. The fresh lemon juice will provide the tangy flavor in both components as well.
- Making the Brownie Batter:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer (using the paddle attachment), combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and sea salt. Beat on low speed until just combined. The mixture will be a bit crumbly at this stage.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined. You want to make sure the eggs are beaten well to ensure the batter’s smooth texture.
- Gradually add the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the edges of the brownies are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Be careful not to over-bake, as this could dry them out.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the dish before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting into the warm brownies.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the brownies are cooling, make the lemon glaze. In a bowl, sift the icing sugar to remove any lumps. Then, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the powdered sugar.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more lemon juice; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Glaze the Brownies:
- Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the lemon glaze over the top using a rubber spatula, ensuring an even layer. The glaze will be glossy and will slowly set as it rests.
- Let the Glaze Set:
- Allow the glaze to firm up for about 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature. This will create a lovely shiny finish that you can cut through.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the glaze is set, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares or rectangles. Serve them as a refreshing treat for dessert or a delightful snack with tea or coffee.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t over-mix the batter: Be careful not to over-beat the brownie batter once you’ve added the wet ingredients to the dry. Overmixing can make the brownies dense.
- Lemon juice vs. zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that bright, vibrant lemon flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same punch.
- Allow them to cool: These brownies are much easier to cut and the glaze will set better if the brownies are fully cooled.
Enjoy these sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth lemony brownies! They’re bound to be a hit at any gathering or for a cozy treat at home.