Grapefruit Cookie Bars

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these zesty Grapefruit Cookie Bars.

Sugar Cookie Mix: The perfect base for these easy, soft, and chewy bars.

Sour Cream: One of the key ingredients that makes these bars soft and tender, while adding rich flavor.

Cornstarch: Just a little cornstarch makes these bars extra soft and tender.

Fresh Grapefruit: Both the zest and juice of a fresh grapefruit are used in this recipe, giving these bars their signature citrus flavor.

Other Ingredients You'll Need: Eggs, melted butter, powdered sugar, salt, and peach or pink gel food color (optional).

How to Make Grapefruit Cookie Bars

Here are the basics of how to make these soft and chewy Grapefruit Cookie Bars. Follow the recipe for full detailed instructions.

1. Zest and Juice the Grapefruit

Zest a large grapefruit. You will use most of the zest for the cookie base, while reserving about 1 teaspoon for the icing. Juice the grapefruit and set aside to use in the icing.

2. Mix up the Bars

This cookie bar is enriched with sour cream and lots of grapefruit zest. It comes together quickly and can be mixed easily by hand. It will resemble a thick batter.

3. Bake the Bars

Bake the bars until they are golden brown around the edges and the top begins to turn light golden brown.

4. Make the Icing

Mix up the icing while the bars bake and pour it over the bars while they are still somewhat warm.

5. Cool and Cut the Bars

Cool the bars completely at room temperature before cutting. Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into 9 squares.

How to Store Grapefruit Cookie Bars

Use these tips to store Grapefruit Cookie Bars.

Room Temperature

These bars store really well at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container in a single layer for 2 to 3 days.

Refrigerator and Freezer

We do not recommend storing these bars in the fridge or freezer as the icing will become sticky and wet.