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–+ servings
Pop Tart Cookie Bars

Irresistible Pop Tart Cookie Bars for Sweet Nostalgia

These Pop Tart Cookie Bars perfectly capture childhood nostalgia with a soft cookie base, strawberry preserves, and a creamy glaze.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 8 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Summer Dessert Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Provides richness and tenderness; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the base; can be swapped for brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients and adds leavening; using room temperature helps with mixing.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds aromatic sweetness; swap with vanilla bean paste for a more intense taste.
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Gives structure to the cookie bars; be sure to measure accurately for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt Enhances flavor balance; an essential ingredient for elevating taste.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Serves as a leavening agent; always check for freshness before using.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup strawberry preserves Provides the signature flavor and moisture; feel free to experiment with different jams like blueberry or raspberry.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Forms a smooth glaze; sift before mixing for the best texture.
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk Adds creaminess to the glaze; substitute with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk for a twist.
  • 1 cup rainbow sprinkles Optional but adds a fun visual appeal to your Pop Tart Cookie Bars.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix on low until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing on low until combined.
  5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  6. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and freeze for 10 minutes.
  7. Spread a generous layer of strawberry preserves over the chilled dough.
  8. Crumble the remaining dough over the preserves and bake for 25-28 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
  9. Allow the bars to cool, then mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of whole milk for the glaze. Drizzle it over the bars and top with rainbow sprinkles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure to measure the flour accurately for best results. Customization with different jams is encouraged.

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