New & Improved Lemon Thyme Bars

Instructions

1. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch-by-8-inch glass baking dish.
2. For the bars: In a small bowl combine flour, thyme and salt. Set aside. In a medium bowl using a handheld mixer, beat together 1 stick of butter and the powdered sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Add the egg yolk and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Beat in the lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Using damp fingers, press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes until golden. Cool for 30 minutes.
3. For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk the lemon juice and powdered sugar together until smooth. Spoon the glaze over the cooled crust. Allow the glaze to harden at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
4. Using a metal spatula, remove the crust from the pan. Cut into 1 1/2-inch square bars and arrange on a serving platter or store airtight in a plastic container at room temperature.