Friends! I hope you’re sitting down. You’re going to love today’s recipe. These lemonies, also known as lemon brownies have the most tender crumb that’s infused with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon.

They combine the richness of butter and white chocolate with the zesty punch of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, creating a perfectly balanced, sweet, and tart treat. Topped with a smooth lemony glaze, they’re sure to brighten your day.

Okay, So What Exactly Are Lemonies?

Imagine the rich, chewy texture of a classic brownie. Now, take out the chocolate and infuse that with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons. That’s a lemony.

Unlike traditional brownies that boast a deep chocolate flavor, lemonies are bursting with lemon, both in the batter and the glaze. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible dessert during lemon season, or any time of the year, actually.

The Ingredients For Lemonies

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness, moisture, and tenderness, creating a soft and chewy texture.
• High-quality white chocolate (not white chocolate chips): Adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy lemon flavor, adding depth and richness to the lemonies.
• Sugar: For the perfect sweetness.
• Lemon zest: Infuses the lemonies with a vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic oils, intensifying the lemony essence.
• Eggs: Binds all the ingredients together, and contributes to the richness and texture, giving the lemonies a tender crumb and a moist, dense brownie-like consistency.
• Egg yolk: Enriches the batter, adding more fat which results in a richer, denser, and more moist texture.
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Provides acidity, which enhances the lemon flavor, adding brightness and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dessert. It also interacts with the other ingredients to help create a tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the tangy lemon.
• All-purpose flour: Serves as the primary structure-building component, giving the lemonies their shape and texture.
• Sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the sugar and the tartness of the lemon.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice or milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

How To Make Lemonies

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease or line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt and Mix: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped white chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring frequently until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

1. Zest and Whisk: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Get your hands in there and massage that zest into the sugar for maximum flavor! Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk until well combined.

1. Combine and Fold: Pour in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cooled butter mixture. Mix until smooth.

1. Fold in the flour and sea salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few streaks of flour are totally okay.

1. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the edges start to brown and the top barely sets. Remember, overbaking leads to dry lemonies, and we don’t want that.

1. Cool and Glaze: Allow your lemonies to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, whip up the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled lemonies and spread it evenly with a spatula. Finish off with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for that perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Lemonies:

1. Don’t Overmix: When folding in the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough lemonies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
2. Keep an Eye on Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your lemonies a few minutes before the recommended bake time. When they’re done, the edges should brown slightly, and the top should, but still soft.
3. Cool Completely: It’s tempting to dive into those lemony squares right away, but patience is key here. Let them cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny mess.
4. Store Properly: To keep your lemonies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to three months – just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can find freezing instructions in the FAQ below.

These lemonies will bring a burst of sunshine into your kitchen with their bright, tangy flavor. They’re a testament to the magic that can happen when you blend simple ingredients with a little creativity (and you have an abundance of lemons sitting around). So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, give these lemon brownies a try. I know you’re going to love them.