Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened (no subs!)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (addition for sprinkling on bars)
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (I just used the zest from 1 whole lemon)
1 -2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Set oven to 300\u00b0F (set oven rack to middle position).
Butter an 8x8-inch glass baking dish.
In a bowl using an electric mixer cream the butter with 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Add in zest, lemon juice (if using) and poppy seeds; mix until combined.
In a small bowl mix together flour and salt; add to the creamed mixture and mix just until combined.
Press the mixture into prepared baking pan.
Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until pale golden brown.
Let the shortbread cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes.
Cut into 24 bars and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.