Poptart Cookie Bars (Printable)

Soft sugar cookie base with strawberry jam filling, vanilla glaze, and colorful sprinkles for a nostalgic treat.

# What goes in:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
06 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
07 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Filling

08 - ¾ cup strawberry jam or preferred flavor

→ Glaze & Topping

09 - 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
10 - 2–3 tablespoons milk
11 - ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Colorful sprinkles for decoration

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a uniform layer.
07 - Spread strawberry jam evenly over the dough base, maintaining a small border around the edges.
08 - Crumble remaining dough over jam layer and press gently to adhere.
09 - Bake for 23-27 minutes until edges turn golden brown and center appears set.
10 - Allow bars to cool fully in pan on wire rack before glazing.
11 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable consistency is achieved.
12 - Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled bars. Immediately sprinkle with colorful decorations while glaze remains wet.
13 - Let glaze set for 15 minutes, then cut into 16 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is pure magic, with a soft cookie bottom, gooey jam center, and crumbly topping that reminds everyone of their favorite childhood breakfast treat
  • They come together in under an hour but taste like you spent all day in the kitchen, plus they travel perfectly for potlucks and bake sales
02 -
  • Letting these bars cool completely before glazing is absolutely crucial, otherwise the glaze will melt right off and youll end up with a sad puddle instead of that beautiful drizzle
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together so much better, and taking butter and eggs out an hour before baking makes the whole process easier and the final texture superior
03 -
  • Using an offset spatula to spread the jam gives you that perfectly even layer without tearing the dough underneath
  • Weighing your ingredients with a kitchen scale is the secret to consistent results every single time, especially with flour which can vary wildly depending on how you measure it

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