Crisp, buttery edges give way to a soft, chewy center bursting with sweet strawberry flavor in these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars. These bars offer a delightful twist on the classic toaster pastry, transforming it into an easy-to-make, shareable dessert. The combination of a crumbly cookie base and a gooey jam filling creates a nostalgic and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
What makes this recipe work so well is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery cookie dough provides a sturdy yet tender base for the sweet and tangy strawberry jam, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. These bars are best served as a fun dessert for parties, potlucks, or a sweet afternoon treat.
Why you’ll love this Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars
* These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars capture the essence of a beloved childhood snack in an easy-to-bake format.
* They are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* The combination of the buttery cookie base and sweet strawberry filling is a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
* These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings.
* They are easily customizable with different flavors of jam, allowing you to create your own unique variations.
* They are a great way to use up leftover jam.
Ingredients & Substitutions
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup strawberry jam (seedless): Feel free to use other flavors of jam like raspberry or blueberry.
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1-2 tablespoons milk: Use a plant-based milk alternative to keep this recipe dairy-free.
How to make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare
Strawberry pop tart cookie bars makes every moment feel satisfying. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the strawberry jam.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Chef’s Tip: Don’t be afraid if the crumble looks a bit uneven. That adds to the rustic charm!
Step 7: Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Chef’s Tip: For a thicker glaze, use less milk.
Tips for Success
* Make sure the butter is properly softened for easy creaming. This will ensure a light and fluffy cookie base.
* Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
* Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
* If you are looking for other ideas for ways to use strawberries you should check out this strawberry pound cake recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for the perfect sweet treat. You can also serve them alongside other desserts for a fun and festive dessert platter. For another nostalgic dessert, try this no-bake peppermint pie recipe.
Storage & Reheating
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I freeze these bars?**
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
**Can I use a different type of jam?**
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam, such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot.
**Can I make these bars gluten-free?**
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to please everyone. With their buttery cookie base, sweet strawberry filling, and simple glaze, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars
These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a childhood favorite, offering a burst of sweet strawberry flavor nestled in a buttery, crumbly cookie crust. Imagine the comforting taste of a strawberry pop tart, but in an easier-to-make, shareable bar form. The soft, chewy cookie base perfectly complements the gooey strawberry filling, creating a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, from the crisp edges to the soft center, making these bars utterly irresistible. Prepare to be transported back to your childhood with this fun and flavorful dessert!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberry jam (seedless)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the dough.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the strawberry jam.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Notes
For a thicker glaze, use less milk. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Feel free to use other flavors of jam to customize these bars!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg