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The Best Fudgy Lemon Brownies with Bright Zesty Glaze (Easy, Chewy Texture)

Close-up of a fudgy chocolate Lemon Brownies square topped with bright yellow lemon glaze drizzle.

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Make these sweet and zesty lemon brownies for a bright dessert. This recipe balances sweetness with a citrusy punch, resulting in moist, chewy squares perfect for spring or summer baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just mixed.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix to keep the texture chewy.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling helps achieve the fudgy texture.
  10. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or juice, one teaspoon at a time, to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  11. Once the brownies are fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For an extra bright flavor, use fresh lemon juice only; bottled juice changes the taste.
  • To achieve a fudgy texture, avoid overbaking. The center should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
  • If you want a tangier glaze, increase the lemon juice in the glaze mixture slightly.

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