Looking for a quick and delightful treat that will bring a smile to both kids and adults alike? Poptart Cookie Bars are the perfect answer! These sugary bars combine the taste of classic pop-tarts with the chewy goodness of cookies, creating a dessert that’s not only delicious but also ideal for busy families on the go.
These Poptart Cookie Bars are a sweet symphony of buttery goodness, bursting with fruity strawberry preserves and finished off with a light drizzle of icing and colorful sprinkles. With a soft and chewy texture, they are the perfect snack to enjoy at any time of day whether it’s for breakfast, a midday treat, or a post-dinner sweet. The combination of flavors and textures will make anyone’s taste buds sing!
State the Benefits
- Quick to make – Ideal for busy days when you need a fast and tasty dessert.
- Family favorite – Kids and adults will love these delightful bars.
- Great for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time to have on hand for snacks or lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Endlessly customizable with your favorite flavors
- Perfect for celebrations or everyday enjoyment
Ingredients for Poptart Cookie Bars
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 2 ½ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (see notes below for measuring)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup strawberry preserves
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½-2 tbsp whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles (for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Poptart Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Spread the strawberry preserves over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges.
- Top with the remaining dough, gently spreading it over the preserves.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely, then mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled bars and add rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.
Tips for Success
- Ensure butter is room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the bars soft.
- Let bars cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
Substitutions & Variations of Poptart Cookie Bars
- To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: You can use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure to use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Variations: Experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, or add chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist.
Storage Instructions of Poptart Cookie Bars
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: These cookie bars freeze wonderfully just wrap them tightly and store for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Poptart Cookie Bars
- How do I make the icing thicker? Add more powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.
- Can I use other types of preserves? Absolutely! Feel free to swap for your favorite flavors.
- Why are my cookie bars crumbly? Ensure you measure your flour correctly and don’t overmix the dough.
Final Toughts
These Poptart Cookie Bars are a sweet treat that brings joy and ease to your busy life, making them a must-try! Whether you’re packing lunches, preparing for a family gathering, or just treating yourself, these bars will surely satisfy. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to tell us how yours turned out in the comments below!
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Poptart Cookie Bars
Delightful Poptart Cookie Bars combine the taste of classic pop-tarts with chewy cookie goodness, perfect for snacks or desserts.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 2 ½ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup strawberry preserves
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½–2 tbsp whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Spread the strawberry preserves over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges.
- Top with the remaining dough, gently spreading it over the preserves.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely, then mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for icing.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled bars and add rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Let bars cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian