Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

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If you have a sweet tooth and love a nostalgic treat with a twist, this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These bars capture all the joy of a classic poptart with their buttery, tender cookie layers sandwiching a luscious strawberry filling, then topped with a smooth vanilla glaze and a rainbow sprinkle shower for that extra dose of fun. Whether you’re serving them to family, friends, or just keeping a secret stash for yourself, these bars deliver incredible flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role—from the rich, creamy butter that creates tender layers to the bright strawberry preserves that give these cookie bars their fruity heart. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this treat to life.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature): Provides the rich, creamy base essential for tender and flavorful cookie bars.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough perfectly while helping to create a light texture.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the dough together and add moisture for a soft crumb.
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups + 2 tbsp): The main structure builder for your cookie bars; measuring carefully ensures great texture.
• Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor depth.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of lift and lightness to the dough.
• Strawberry preserves (2/3 cup): Bursting with fruity goodness, this spread is the heart of the filling.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for a silky smooth glaze that adds sweetness and shine.
• Whole milk (1 ½ – 2 tablespoons): Makes the glaze pourable and luscious without thinning it out too much.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): An extra splash to bring the glaze to life with flavor.
• Rainbow sprinkles: For that classic poptart look and a cheerful pop of color on top.

How to Make Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by lining an 8×8 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper so it hangs over the edges; this helps lift the bars out easily later. Then, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Setting up this way makes baking smooth and cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because creaming incorporates air that gives your cookie bars a lovely tender crumb. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides so everything mixes evenly!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix just until combined. Doing this gently ensures your dough stays smooth and cohesive without overworking it.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda into the wet ingredients. Stir just until the dough starts to hold together into a soft, cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing here for the best texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up. Cooling it down makes handling easier and helps the bars hold their shape.

Step 6: Press First Dough Layer

Take half of the chilled dough and press it evenly into your prepared pan. This layer will become the bottom cookie layer of your bars, so smooth it out carefully.

Step 7: Freeze the Bottom Layer

Lift the parchment paper to transfer this dough layer onto a baking sheet, then freeze it. Freezing firms it up quickly and keeps the layers neat when you add the filling and top dough.

Step 8: Prepare the Pan for the Top Layer

Replace the parchment paper in the baking pan to cover all sides again, then press the remaining half of the dough evenly into the pan. This forms the base for the filling and the final layer.

Step 9: Add the Strawberry Filling

Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the dough in the pan. This luscious layer adds the classic fruity center that makes these bars taste like your favorite poptarts.

Step 10: Add the Frozen Dough Layer on Top

Peel the parchment paper off the frozen dough and carefully place it on top of the strawberry layer, pressing gently but firmly to seal everything together. This ensures your bars hold nicely when baked.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the assembled bars in your preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible!

Step 12: Cool Completely

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool on a wire rack until completely chilled. Patience here pays off with clean slices and set layers.

Step 13: Invert the Bars

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan and flip them upside down so the bottom cookie layer becomes the top. This creates the perfect surface for the glaze.

Step 14: Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This sweet glaze adds the finishing touch, reminiscent of that classic bakery poptart shine.

Step 15: Glaze and Decorate

Pour the glaze over the inverted bars and immediately sprinkle with your rainbow sprinkles. The sprinkles bring that joyful pop of color and fun, making these cookie bars a visual treat as well.

Step 16: Let the Icing Set and Slice

Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, letting the icing fully set into a delicate, slightly glossy finish. Then slice into 15 pieces and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Adding some extra toppings can make your Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe feel extra special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar over the sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an indulgent touch. Even a few fresh strawberries on the side can elevate the flavor and look.

Side Dishes

These bar treats are perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for some creamy contrast. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk pairs beautifully to balance sweetness and refresh your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, cut your Poptart Cookie Bars into smaller bite-sized squares and place them in colorful cupcake liners. You can also stack them neatly in a decorative box, tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Serving on a bright platter with fresh berries around adds festive flair too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookie tender and the glaze just set but still soft, so you can enjoy them fresh as if newly baked.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

When you want to warm them up, unwrap and place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10-15 seconds to soften up the cookie slightly without melting the glaze too much for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I use other fruit preserves instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! While strawberry gives that classic Poptart vibe, raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot preserves would add wonderful flavor twists. Just pick a preserve you love.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can cream the butter and sugar by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon or electric hand mixer. It might take a bit more effort, but the results will still be delightful.

Why do I freeze the dough layers before baking?

Freezing helps keep the layers distinct during assembly and baking. It prevents the bottom dough from mixing with the preserves and ensures your bars have clean, beautiful layers.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can try substituting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that texture may vary slightly. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe enough—once you make them, they’ll become your go-to sweet treat for celebrations, snacks, or anytime you want to bring a bit of joy to your day. With every layer packed full of flavor, buttery goodness, and that irresistible glaze and sprinkle top, these bars truly capture the best of homemade comfort baking. Give them a try and watch them disappear fast!

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