Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13" pan with parchment paper. You can also grease the pan if you prefer. However, the parchment paper will make it much easier to remove the bars from the pan.

Using a mixer, beat together the granulated sugar, butter and lemon zest until it appears light and fluffy. Add eggs and lemon extract and beat well. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in cranberries.

Spoon dough into prepared pan and press it down as best as you can to ensure that it covers the pan in its entirety. If you use your hands, be sure to grease them well due to the sticky consistency of the dough. It won't look perfect but will bake together nicely.

Bake 35-40 minutes. Mine baked for 35 minutes in a gas stove. The edges and top will have some light browning.

Allow to cool completely. Remove parchment paper and bars from pan. Peel away the parchment paper and dust with powdered sugar (optional)

Cut into bars and serve.