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Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these Poptart Cookie Bars, a fun and nostalgic treat that combines a buttery sugar cookie dough with a sweet strawberry preserves filling and a smooth vanilla glaze topped with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, these bars capture the essence of a classic pop tart in an easy-to-make, shareable dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the 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

For the Glaze

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven: Line an 8×8 inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over all sides for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the two large eggs and vanilla extract until just combined, scraping down the bowl again if necessary.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and baking soda and mix until the dough begins to come together.
  5. Chill Dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and spread in the pan.
  6. Press Dough into Pan: Press half of the chilled cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan (approximately 348 grams).
  7. Freeze First Layer: Lift the dough layer out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and transfer it to a baking sheet. Place it in the freezer to set while you prepare the next layer.
  8. Replace Parchment and Add Second Dough Layer: Return the parchment paper strips to fully cover the sides of the pan. Press the remaining half of the cookie dough evenly into the pan.
  9. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the strawberry preserves over the second layer of cookie dough.
  10. Add Top Dough Layer: Remove the first dough layer from the freezer, peel off the parchment paper, and place it over the preserves. Press firmly to secure the layers together.
  11. Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  12. Cool and Remove: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire cooling rack. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan, then flip them upside down so the baked bottom becomes the top.
  13. Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  14. Glaze and Decorate: Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the bars and sprinkle generously with rainbow sprinkles.
  15. Set and Serve: Let the glaze set at room temperature for 1-2 hours before cutting into 15 bars and serving.

Notes

  • Use metal pans for even baking and better browning.
  • Measuring flour correctly (spoon and level method) ensures proper dough texture.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend better for a smooth dough.
  • Chilling the dough helps with easier handling and prevents spreading.
  • The glaze can be adjusted with more or less milk depending on desired consistency.
  • Store bars in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (1/15th of recipe)
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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