Crunchy Pop Tart Cookie Bars Recipe: Sweet Fusion Fun

Baking never gets more delightful than these pop tart cookie bars that blend childhood nostalgia with irresistible sweetness.

Layers of buttery cookie dough and colorful jam create a mouthwatering treat that’s guaranteed to spark joy.

These bars capture the essence of a classic pop tart with a homemade twist that feels both familiar and exciting.

Rich, crumbly, and perfectly balanced, each bite offers a delectable combination of textures and flavors.

The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed – just pure, simple deliciousness.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-28 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Pop Tart Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cookie bars, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden, crisp exterior when baking.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a smooth, creamy dough texture, use room temperature for easy mixing.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the bar's soft, chewy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and achieve a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors in the recipe.

• Strawberry Preserves: Adds fruity, sweet layer between cookie dough, choose high-quality preserves with real fruit chunks.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze that adds sweetness and decorative finish.
• Milk: Thins the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: Provides playful, colorful decoration that makes the bars visually appealing.

• Vanilla Extract (Glaze): Adds depth and warmth to the sweet glaze topping.

Tools for Assembling Pop Tart Cookie Bars with Ease

• Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, sugar, and mixing dough smoothly and efficiently.
• 8×8-inch Metal Baking Pan: Perfect for creating even, square-shaped cookie bars.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Baking Sheet: Helps chill and transfer the first layer of cookie dough.
• Wire Rack: Used for cooling the baked bars completely.
• Small Bowl: Needed for whisking the glaze ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating a smooth, lump-free glaze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Pop Tart Cookie Bars for Any Occasion

• Pan Preparation

Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges hang over for easy removal. Heat oven to a toasty 375°F.

• Dough Creation

Blend softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Gently fold in eggs and vanilla, mixing until harmonious. Gradually introduce flour mixture, stirring until dough forms a cohesive texture.

• Cookie Base Layer

Spread first half of dough evenly across pan bottom. Carefully transfer this layer to a chilled baking sheet, allowing it to firm up in the freezer.

• Layering Magic

Replace parchment paper in original pan. Press remaining dough into pan. Spread a generous layer of strawberry preserves across the surface.

• Assembly and Baking

Retrieve frozen dough layer and place atop preserves, pressing gently to create a perfect seal. Slide into preheated oven and bake until golden and fragrant, approximately 25-28 minutes.

• Cooling and Finishing

Allow bars to cool completely. Lift from pan using parchment edges. Whip up a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. Drizzle over bars and sprinkle with colorful rainbow confetti.

• Serving

Let glaze set for 1-2 hours. Slice into delightful squares and serve with a smile.

Flavor Tips for Fun Pop Tart Cookie Bars

• Swap strawberry preserves with raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam for a flavor twist that keeps things exciting and delicious.
• Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for extra crunch and depth of flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Prepare the cookie bars up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience for busy bakers.
• Refrigerate glazed bars for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their irresistible texture.
• Adjust glaze consistency by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker, more substantial topping that clings perfectly to the bars.

How to Serve Pop Tart Cookie Bars Creatively

• Pop Tart Picnic Companion: Pack these bars for outdoor adventures, school lunches, or weekend road trips. Their sturdy texture makes them perfect for on-the-go snacking without falling apart.
• Dessert Table Star: Arrange these colorful bars on a decorative platter for parties, adding a playful touch to birthday celebrations or potluck gatherings. The rainbow sprinkles will attract kids and adults alike.
• Breakfast Sidekick: Pair these nostalgic bars with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee for a sweet morning treat. Their strawberry filling provides a fruity burst that complements your breakfast routine.
• Gift-Worthy Delight: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon for homemade gifts. They're a charming present for teachers, neighbors, or friends who appreciate a personal touch.

Storing Pop Tart Cookie Bars Without Drying Them

• Quick Cooldown Strategy: Allow the cookie bars to reach room temperature completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp edges.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, which helps maintain their fresh texture and flavor profile.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead dessert planning or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Remove bars from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and restore their delightful, tender cookie texture.

Gooey Pop Tart Cookie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Rich chocolate chip cookie bars merge with nostalgic pop tart flavors in this delightful dessert. Crisp edges, gooey center, and strawberry jam swirls create an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor immediately.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups + 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup strawberry preserves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½–2 tbsps whole milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Rainbow sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Creaming: In a stand mixer, blend butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately three minutes. Incorporate eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly and scraping sides to ensure uniform consistency.
3. Dough Formation: Gradually add flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing until dough forms. Refrigerate for twenty minutes to enhance texture and manageability.
4. Layer Assembly: Divide cookie dough into two equal portions. Press first half evenly across parchment-lined pan base. Freeze this layer briefly, then reposition parchment and spread remaining dough. Distribute strawberry preserves across the surface.
5. Topping Placement: Carefully position the chilled dough layer over preserves, gently pressing to secure layers.
6. Baking: Bake for 25-28 minutes until golden-brown. Cool completely on a wire rack within the pan.
7. Finishing Touches: Extract bars using parchment edges. Craft a glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle glaze over bars and garnish with rainbow sprinkles.
8. Serving: Allow glaze to set for 1-2 hours at room temperature. Slice into fifteen segments and enjoy the delectable treat.

Notes

• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerating dough enhances texture and prevents excessive spreading during baking, ensuring dense and uniform cookie bars.
• Parchment Paper Hack: Using parchment paper with overhang allows easy removal and clean cutting of bars without damaging their delicate structure.
• Layer Technique Matters: Freezing one dough layer helps maintain distinct layers and prevents mixing of preserves with cookie dough during assembly.
• Glaze Setting Time: Allowing glaze to solidify at room temperature for 1-2 hours creates a smooth, professional-looking finish and prevents dripping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg