Poptart Cookie Bars (Printable)
Soft sugar cookie base with fruity jam filling, sweet vanilla glaze and sprinkles.
# What You'll 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
→ Glaze & Topping
09 - 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
10 - 2–3 tablespoons milk
11 - ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Sprinkles for decoration
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
03 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
05 - Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
06 - Press two-thirds of the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
07 - Spread strawberry jam evenly over the dough layer, leaving a small border around edges.
08 - Crumble remaining dough over jam surface and press gently to adhere.
09 - Bake for 23–27 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set.
10 - Let bars cool fully 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 16 bars.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- The sugar cookie dough comes together in one bowl with no chilling required, so you can have these in the oven within fifteen minutes.
- That jammy center stays gooey while the crumble topping gets golden and crisp, creating the perfect texture contrast.
02 -
- The first time I made these I cut into them while still warm and the jam oozed into a sticky mess, so patience really pays off here.
- Too much milk in the glaze will make it run right off the bars, so start with less and add gradually.
03 -
- Chill your dough for twenty minutes before pressing into the pan if your kitchen is warm and the butter feels too soft.
- A pinch of salt in the glaze balances the sweetness and makes the vanilla flavor pop.