Poptart Cookie Bars (Printable)

Soft sugar cookie bars with strawberry jam filling, vanilla glaze, and sprinkles for a nostalgic dessert.

# 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 your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or by hand.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands or a spatula.
07 - Spread the jam evenly over the dough layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
08 - Crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer, pressing gently to adhere.
09 - Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
10 - Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.
11 - Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
12 - Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and immediately top with sprinkles before the glaze sets.
13 - Let the glaze set for 15 minutes, then cut into 16 bars using a sharp knife.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of soft sugar cookie and fruity jam hits the same comfort spot as your favorite childhood toaster pastry
  • They come together in under an hour but taste like they took all day to make
  • The crumble topping creates this irresistible texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
02 -
  • Let these cool completely before glazing or the icing will melt right off and you will have a sad streaky mess
  • The crumble topping might look sparse before baking but it spreads and puffs up beautifully in the oven
  • Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable here—cold butter creates pockets that prevent even pressing
03 -
  • Use the back of a measuring cup to press the dough layer evenly without sticking to your hands
  • Warm your jam in the microwave for 15 seconds to make it easier to spread without tearing the dough

Go Back