Print

Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 85 reviews

Delight in these nostalgic Poptart Cookie Bars featuring layers of buttery sugar cookie dough sandwiching sweet strawberry preserves, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze and festive rainbow sprinkles. Perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with flavors, these bars offer a homemade twist on a classic treat that’s easy to prepare and share.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sugar Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 2 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2/3 cup strawberry preserves

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 - 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Rainbow sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Pan and Preheat Oven: Line an 8×8 inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract just until combined, taking care not to overmix. Again, scrape the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and baking soda, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain tenderness.
  5. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and spread in the pan.
  6. First Layer of Dough: Press half of the chilled cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth out with your hands or a spatula.
  7. Freeze First Layer: Carefully lift the parchment paper with the dough layer and transfer it to a baking sheet. Place it in the freezer to firm while you prepare the next layers.
  8. Second Layer of Dough in Pan: Replace the parchment liners in the baking pan and press the remaining half of the dough evenly into the pan.
  9. Add Strawberry Filling: Spread 2/3 cup of strawberry preserves evenly over the second layer of cookie dough in the pan.
  10. Add Top Dough Layer: Remove the frozen first dough layer from the freezer, peel off the parchment, and gently place it over the preserves. Press firmly to seal the layers together.
  11. Bake: Bake the assembled cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool fully on a wire rack to room temperature before glazing.
  13. Remove from Pan: Using the parchment overhang, lift the cookie bars out of the pan and flip them upside down so that the bottom layer is now on top.
  14. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  15. Glaze the Bars: Pour the vanilla glaze evenly over the top of the cookie bars and immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles for decoration.
  16. Set the Glaze: Let the cookie bars sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to allow the icing to set before slicing into 15 bars and serving.

Notes

  • For best results, measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid dense dough.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper strips hanging over the sides to easily lift the cookie bars out after baking.
  • Chilling and freezing steps help maintain the distinct layers and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use whole milk in the glaze for richness; adjustments can be made for desired glaze thickness.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Find it online: https://queenrecipe.com/poptart-cookie-bars-recipe/