Poptart Cookie Bars (Printable)
Soft sugar cookie base with jam filling and 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 - Colorful sprinkles for decoration
# How To Cook:
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 - Beat in eggs one at a time, incorporating fully before adding the next. Stir 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, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using lightly floured hands or the back of a spoon.
07 - Spread strawberry jam evenly over the dough layer, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
08 - Crumble remaining dough between fingers and sprinkle evenly over jam layer. Press gently to adhere.
09 - Bake for 23-27 minutes until edges are golden brown and center appears set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
10 - Let bars cool completely in pan on a wire rack, approximately 1 hour, before adding glaze.
11 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time if too thick.
12 - Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled bars. Immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before glaze sets.
13 - Let glaze set for 15 minutes at room temperature. Cut into 16 bars and serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The soft sugar cookie base tastes like childhood breakfast but elevated
- You can switch up the jam flavor to match whatever is in your pantry
02 -
- Pressing the dough into the pan with floured hands prevents sticking frustrations
- Let the bars cool completely before glazing or it will slide right off
03 -
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to handle
- A small offset spatula makes spreading the jam much easier