Lemon Brownies
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Dear Lemon Brownies… hello, I love you. These bars are everything a lemon lover dreams of. They’re bright, tangy, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. Thanks to the melted white chocolate in the batter, they have that irresistible “fudgy” texture while still being delicately cake-like. Every bite bursts with sunny citrus flavor, balanced with just a touch of vanilla for warmth and depth.
What really takes them over the top is the simple lemon glaze. Made with just powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, it soaks into the brownies as it sets, keeping them extra moist and adding another pop of zesty sweetness. The result is a treat that’s rich yet refreshing, and completely impossible to resist.
For the ultimate lemon flavor, I like to rub the lemon zest into the sugar before mixing. This helps to release the natural oils and infuse the batter with even more brightness. Best of all, you don’t need a mixer to make these! Just a few bowls, a whisk, and a love for all things lemon.
If you’re a lemon lover like me, you also need to make my Lemon Cheesecake Bars, Lemon Curd Cookies, or these Lemon Poppyseed Scones.
Table Talk with Tawnie
So you may be wondering what exactly is a “lemon brownie”. I like to think of these lemon brownies as the bright, citrusy cousin to a classic chocolate brownie. They’re similar to lemon blondies, but the addition of white chocolate gives them that rich, fudgy texture that makes them truly special. Unlike traditional lemon bars (shortbread crust and custardy filling), these brownies bake up soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor in every bite.
- White chocolate bar: Use a high-quality white chocolate bar (not chips!) for the best flavor and creamy texture. I love using Ghirardelli here.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and balances the tart lemon flavor.
- Lemon zest & juice: Fresh lemon juice and zest give these brownies their bright, citrusy flavor. Use a microplane to zest the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Eggs + egg yolks: Eggs add structure and moisture, while the extra yolk gives the brownies a soft, chewy texture. Use large, room-temperature eggs for best results.
- Extracts: I love using a mix of both lemon and vanilla extracts to enhance the flavor of these brownies. The lemon extract adds brightness while the vanilla extract adds warmth for balance.
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Melt butter and chocolate
Place the butter and white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until the mixture is melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
Create lemon sugar
Add the sugar and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Rub the sugar and lemon zest between your fingertips to create a lemon sugar. This helps release the natural oils and infuses more lemon flavor into the brownies.
Combine ingredients
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until combined. Be sure not to over-mix. You can also add in additional white chocolate chips if desired!
Bake
Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for ~25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
Glaze & enjoy!
Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spread glaze over the cooled lemon brownies and garnish with additional lemon zest on top. Allow to set up for a few minutes, slice and ENJOY!
Expert Tips
- Spoon and level flour: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and be sure it’s leveled. Do not scoop the flour out of the container/bag with your measuring cup because you could end up with 50% more than you need. Spoon and level by using a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and use the back of a knife to level off the top of it.
- Don’t over-mix: Once you start adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Don’t over-bake: Over-baking can result in dry brownies. Bake just until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool in the pan.
- Use a light colored pan: A darker color metal pan absorbs more heat and may result in a darker and thicker crust. Use a light colored aluminum pan for a lighter more tender crust. I haven’t tested this recipe in a glass pan, but you will need to add more baking time if using a glass pan.
Storage / Freezing
- Room temperature: Once completely cooled, store the lemon brownies in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. I actually prefer these brownies chilled!
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe to bake in a 9×13″ pan?
Yes, that should work. I haven’t tested it yet personally.
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of the white chocolate bar?
I would recommend using high-quality white chocolate chips for the best results. Use ~3/4 – 1 cup white chocolate chips to get the same result.
What are lemon brownies?
They are similar to lemon blondies, but my lemon brownies have white chocolate in them to give them that fudgy texture like a real brownie. They are much different than lemon bars; those have a shortbread crust and a lemon filling.
shop this post
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Lemon Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1 (4oz.) white chocolate bar (I used Ghirardelli)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. lemon zest (I used 2 large lemons)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature )
- 1 tsp. lemon extract
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled )
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. baking powder
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch light colored aluminized steel baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Melt butter and chocolate: Place the butter and white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute (cover with a paper towel to prevent splatter), then stir. Continue heating in ~15-30-second increments, stirring between, until the mixture is melted and smooth but not scorched. Remove from the microwave, allow to cool slightly.1/2 cup butter, 1 (4oz.) white chocolate bar
- Create lemon sugar: Add the sugar and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Rub the sugar and lemon zest between your fingertips to create a lemon sugar. This helps release the natural oils and infuses more lemon flavor into the brownies.3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 Tbsp. lemon zest
- Add eggs and extracts: Add the eggs and extracts and whisk for about 1 minute.2 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk, 1 tsp. lemon extract, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Mix with butter mixture: Pour in the white chocolate/butter mixture and fold until combined.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold a few times. Then add the lemon juice last.1 cup + 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. baking powder, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- Mix to combine: Fold until incorporated, do not over-mix. (You can fold in some white chocolate chips in this step, too, if desired).
- Pour into pan: Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for ~25-30 minutes. The edges will look golden brown (the tops won't be browned), and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean; a few moist crumbs are OK. As always, be careful not to over-bake. Allow to cool completely. Start Timer
- Make the glaze: Whisk/stir together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. It should be thick, but pourable.1 cup powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- Spread over brownies: Spread over the cooled lemon brownies with an offset spatula.
- Garnish: Garnish with lemon zest on top (optional) and allow to set up for ~15-30 minutes before slicing and enjoying…if you can wait! 🤣 Store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or I really enjoy these brownies cold, too!
Notes
- Room temperature: Once completely cooled, store the lemon brownies in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. I actually prefer these brownies chilled!
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photography by Creating Kaitlin
This recipe was updated in October 2025 with new photos and tips. Same recipe, new photos😊
I am not one to usually leave a rating but I knew I had to on this! I have used this recipe over and over again to bring to events and I have people find me to ask me for the recipe. They are so easy and absolutely amazing! Always happy to share one of your recipes as I know people will not be let down!
Hi Kristin! OMG this just made my day 🙂 thanks so much for making them and sharing the recipe with others. I truly appreciate it! xo
These Lemon Brownies are a top pick for our family! My husband, a ‘lemon connoisseur’, said “throw all the other recipes away!”
I’ll swap the icing for a dusting of powdered sugar at times for the level of sweetness. But either way, these are delectable!
Oh my gosh, that’s high praise from your husband, Deb! I’m so glad you both loved these brownies! Tell him I have PLENTY of lemon recipes to keep him satisfied! 🍋 Thanks so much for leaving a review! https://krollskorner.com/category/ingredient/lemon/
mine didnt go as planned lol. i scorched the chocolate and butter mix together in the microwave, so i decided to let it cool slightly and then mix in more chocolate to bring it back to its texture (almost 1:1 butter for white chocolate). they ended up looking a little more dense once i poured the mix in the pan, which i usually like for my brownies, and 25 min was enough baking time. i dusted them with confectioner sugar before serving and my partner LOVES them. will do this recipe again !
Hi Mary! Oh no, gotta be careful with the white chocolate in the microwave, that can happen! I am glad they were still tasty though, thank you for making!
The white chocolate was a decadent addition and made them absolutely delicious! We love anything lemon and the flavor was just right and keeping them in the fridge was perfect for a Memorial Day treat! The only negative…we didn’t make a double batch, haha! Adding lemons to the next grocery list! Thank you!
They look soo perfect Meagan! Thank you 🙂 so glad you enjoyed hehe
I love love love lemon. And these brownies are deliciously lemony. The sweet/tart balance is just right. True brownie texture – but with all the lemony flavor! The icing is especially wonderful – tangy, sweet and sharp. 5 stars!! Definitely a keeper!!
so happy to hear Tamara, thank you!!! 🙂
Very good one bowl recipe.
so yum! thank you!
Very good one bowl recipe.
I make these a few times every summer because they are so bright and lemony! I find a dusting of powdered sugar to work great and make them portable without being messy and it gives the little added sweetness you would get from the glaze. Everyone loves them!
The powdered sugar is sooo pretty! I have some lemons lying around, I need to make a batch soon! Thank you 🙂
These are so good!🍋
They have the texture of a brownie with a lighter refreshing taste.
Thanks for sharing!😊
So pretty! Thank you! 🙂
Delicious and easy!
Yummm, looks delicious, Erin! Glad you loved these! 🫶🏻