Poptart Cookie Bars

Pop tart cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines the chewy goodness of sugar cookies with a sweet strawberry filling. This recipe is perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply enjoying at home with family. The vibrant colors and flavors make these bars a standout dessert that everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These pop tart cookie bars require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them ideal for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of buttery cookie dough and rich strawberry preserves creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out the strawberry preserves for other flavors like raspberry or blueberry, making this recipe versatile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon snack, these cookie bars fit right in and are sure to impress guests.
• Fun Presentation: Topped with colorful rainbow sprinkles, these bars look as good as they taste!

Tools and Preparation

To make your pop tart cookie bars perfectly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 8×8 baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture for your dough.
• 8×8 baking pan: A square pan helps create evenly baked bars that maintain their shape during cutting.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment makes it easy to lift the finished bars out of the pan without sticking, simplifying cleanup.

Ingredients

Pop tart cookie bars are made with these simple 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 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup strawberry preserves
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½–2 tablespoons whole milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Rainbow sprinkles (for decorating)

How to Make Poptart Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking pan by lining an 8×8 square metal baking pan with parchment paper so that it hangs over all sides.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat for about three minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through for even mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Scrape down the bowl again to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix in the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda. Stir until the dough starts to come together but do not overmix.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Place your dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to spread in your pan.

Step 6: Press Half into Pan

After chilling, press half of the cookie dough (approximately 348 grams) evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 7: Prepare for Layering

Lift one edge of the parchment paper to remove this layer from the pan. Place it on a baking sheet and keep it in the freezer while you prepare for layering.

Step 8: Add Remaining Dough

Replace parchment strips back into the baking pan. Press down remaining cookie dough evenly across the bottom.

Step 9: Spread Strawberry Preserves

Spread an even layer of strawberry preserves over this layer of cookie dough.

Step 10: Top It Off

Carefully place your chilled first layer over the jam. Peel off any extra parchment paper gently but ensure you press firmly so it sticks together.

Step 11: Bake

Bake your pop tart cookie bars in the preheated oven for about 25–28 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.

Step 12: Cool Completely

Allow your baked goods to cool completely on a wire rack before removing them from the pan by pulling on the parchment paper edges.

Step 13: Flip Bars

Once cooled, flip them upside down so that what was once at the bottom is now on top.

Step 14: Prepare Icing

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 15: Decorate

Pour this icing over your cooled bars generously and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles for extra flair!

Step 16: Set & Serve

Let your pop tart cookie bars sit at room temperature for about one to two hours until icing is set before cutting them into fifteen delicious squares. Enjoy!

How to Serve Poptart Cookie Bars

Poptart cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply enjoying them at home, these suggestions will help enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the cold milk complements the sweetness of the cookie bars perfectly.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy these bars alongside your morning coffee for a sweet start to the day.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Heat the bars slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

At a Party

• Cut into smaller squares and serve on a platter for easy sharing at gatherings or celebrations.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Add melted chocolate drizzle over the top for an extra touch of decadence.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Serve with sliced strawberries or other fruits for a fresh contrast to the sweetness.

How to Perfect Poptart Cookie Bars

Making perfect poptart cookie bars is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time!

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to spread evenly in the pan.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment makes it simple to lift out the bars once they are baked.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep your cookie bars tender and chewy.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; you want them golden brown but not overcooked.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before icing ensures that the icing sets properly and doesn’t melt away.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like nuts or flavored icing for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Poptart Cookie Bars

These poptart cookie bars can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options!

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious contrast that pairs well with dessert.
3. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the flavors of the bars and creates a cozy atmosphere.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses that provide a savory element alongside sweet treats like these cookie bars.
5. Mini Muffins: Offer assorted mini muffins as an additional sweet option that complements but doesn’t overshadow the main dessert.
6. Nut Mix: A selection of nuts adds crunch and saltiness, balancing out the sweetness of poptart cookie bars perfectly.
7. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination makes this snack an irresistible side dish.
8. Ice Cream Floats: Pairing soda floats with cookie bars creates a fun dessert experience that’s sure to please!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making poptart cookie bars can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookie bars. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measuring.
• Overmixing the dough: This can make your cookie bars tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to spread. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; overbaking will lead to dry results. Aim for a golden brown top.
• Not letting them cool completely: Cutting into them too soon can result in messy bars. Allow them to cool fully for clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your poptart cookie bars in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Poptart Cookie Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Poptart Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for 10-15 seconds for a quick and easy option.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm it up gently for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about making poptart cookie bars, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I customize the filling of my Poptart Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit preserves or even chocolate spread instead of strawberry.

How do I know when my Poptart Cookie Bars are done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and edges that start pulling away from the pan.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, feel free to substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for delicious results!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

You can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable but still soft.

Final Thoughts

These poptart cookie bars are not only tasty but also versatile. You can customize them with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite dessert!