Poptart Cookie Bars (Printable)

Buttery sugar cookie base with strawberry jam filling and sweet vanilla glaze

# What You Need:

→ 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 - 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.
03 - Mix in eggs one at a time, then incorporate vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms.
06 - Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
07 - Spread strawberry jam uniformly over the dough base, leaving a small border around edges.
08 - Crumble remaining dough over jam layer and press gently to adhere.
09 - Bake for 23–27 minutes until edges turn golden and center sets completely.
10 - Let bars cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.
11 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
12 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bars and immediately sprinkle with colorful toppings.
13 - Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes, then cut into individual bars.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cookie base stays pillowy soft for days unlike actual pop tarts that turn into weapons after 24 hours
  • You can switch up the jam flavor to match whatever season or mood youre in
02 -
  • Warm bars will melt your glaze into a puddle so let them cool completely before frosting
  • Press the jam layer gently so it doesnt mix with the dough but stays as a distinct stripe through the bars
03 -
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes if its too soft to handle in warm weather
  • Warm the jam slightly for 10 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to spread

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