Name: Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened; 0.5 cup Granulated sugar; 0.25 cup Brown sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice; 0.5 cup Granulated sugar; 0.25 cup All-purpose flour; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 3 large Eggs; 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted; 0.5 cup All-purpose flour; 0.5 cup Granulated sugar; 0.25 cup Cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 0.25 cup Granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top (Optional for extra sweetness)

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Looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and buttery goodness? Meet the Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble! With its irresistible layers of soft sugar cookie, tangy lemonade filling, and a crunchy, golden crumble on top, this is the kind of treat you’ll crave all summer long. Who doesn’t love a recipe that comes together in under an hour and only uses ingredients you already have on hand? The first time I whipped up this treat for a family picnic, it disappeared in a flash—and I was instantly asked for the recipe!

If you’ve loved my classic Lemon Bar Blondies, you’ll adore how this recipe takes all the tang and sweetness of lemonade and turns it into a comforting new snack. Not only is Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble a showstopper for gatherings, but it’s a sentimental spin on the traditional lemon bar. It’s time to grab your spatula and discover the magic of this vibrant and crowd-pleasing dessert.

What is Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble?

Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble sounds like something your grandma invented after seeing too many lemons on the kitchen counter, doesn’t it? And maybe she did, because why not combine two classics—chewy sugar cookie and old-fashioned lemonade—into a single, unforgettable bite? The name itself is a playful mashup that perfectly fits the dessert’s happy-go-lucky vibe: a soft cookie base, a zingy lemonade layer, and a crumbly, sugary topping. As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this bar will charm just about anyone. Why not mix up your dessert repertoire and try it today?

Why You’ll Love This

This Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble is pure sunshine in dessert form. Its cheerful lemon filling brings brightness to any table, while the sweet, buttery cookie base satisfies your classic comfort food cravings. Plus, making it at home is so much more budget-friendly than hitting the bakery—no need to spend extra for fancy treats when you can whip up something this delightful in your own kitchen.

What truly sets this dish apart is the triple-layer treat factor: the soft sugar cookie, puckery lemonade custard, and the irresistible crumble topping. Think of it as a twist on my Lemon Crumble Bars, but with an added layer of homemade cozy flavor. Ready to treat your friends and family? Get your oven mitts—this is a must-try recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble

Quick Overview

This dessert couldn’t be easier! With simple, everyday ingredients and a no-fuss method, Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble is a breeze to make. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before you can dig in! Prep time is just 25 minutes, and baking takes about 35 minutes, so you’ll be snacking on sweet, lemony squares in just about an hour.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemonade Filling:
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Crumble Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Optional:
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Prepare the sugar cookie base: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Press dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Make the lemonade filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and salt until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in melted butter. Pour the lemonade mixture over the sugar cookie base.
Prepare the crumble topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup granulated sugar with cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle crumble evenly over the lemonade filling.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumble topping is golden brown. The center may still have a slight jiggle but will firm up as it cools.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the top with additional granulated sugar.
Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve With Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble

This zingy dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a lighter option, serve with fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a gorgeous contrast. If you’re enjoying this treat on a warm day, pair it with a glass of homemade iced tea, cold brew coffee, or sparkling lemonade for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

Top Tips for Perfecting Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble

Use fresh lemons for the brightest, most authentic flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
If you’re out of brown sugar, simply use all granulated sugar in the base, though the flavor will be slightly less caramel-like.
Make sure your butter for the crumble topping is cold; this helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
Don’t overmix the cookie dough or it may become tough; mix until just combined.
Let the bars cool fully before cutting—this ensures clean, neat squares that hold their shape.
Add a pinch of lemon zest to the crumble for extra zing and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to five days—just bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These bars also freeze beautifully! Slice and wrap each bar individually, pop them in a zip-top freezer bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw on the counter and enjoy. If you prefer warm dessert, give a bar a quick 10-second zap in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice really makes a difference in flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch if that’s what you have.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How do I know when the crumble is done baking?
The crumble topping should be a light golden brown and the center should be just set, with a slight wobble that will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Double the amounts and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it toward the end.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Bake the bars and let them cool, then store in the fridge up to two days ahead. Let them come to room temperature or serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

Conclusion

Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble brings together everything we love about classic desserts—sweetness, tartness, and crumbly goodness—in one easy-to-make bar. Whether you’re making it for a summer potluck, a family picnic, or just a little treat for yourself, this recipe promises to brighten any day. Simple, quick, and bursting with fresh flavor, it’s a playful twist on the traditional lemon bar that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try and don’t forget to check out other lemony favorites on the blog!