Poptart Cookie Bars (Printable Version)
Soft sugar cookie base with strawberry jam filling, vanilla glaze, and sprinkles for a fun nostalgic dessert.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
06 - Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
07 - Spread jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
08 - Crumble remaining dough over jam layer, pressing gently.
09 - Bake for 23-27 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
10 - Let cool completely in pan on wire rack.
11 - Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
12 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bars and immediately top with sprinkles.
13 - Let set for 15 minutes, then cut into bars.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The soft sugar cookie base tastes like childhood but feels sophisticated enough for a party
- They're impossible to mess up and look impressive with zero actual effort
02 -
- Let these cool completely before adding the glaze or it will melt right off
- The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want
03 -
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it's too soft to handle
- Warm the jam slightly for 10 seconds in the microwave to make spreading easier