Go Back

Strawberry Pop Tart Cookie Bars – Soft, Jammy, and Totally Nostalgic

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cookie Bars:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup strawberry jam or preserves (seedless if preferred)
  • For the Crumble Topping:
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: rainbow sprinkles for that Pop-Tart look

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Make the cookie base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Scrape the bowl so everything mixes evenly.
  4. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet mixture and mix on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. It helps to use damp fingers or a spatula.
  6. Spread the strawberry jam over the dough in an even layer, leaving a tiny border around the edges.
  7. Make the crumble: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until clumpy and sandy. Sprinkle evenly over the jam.
  8. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top in small pieces. You want some jam peeking through.
  9. Bake for 25–32 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set. Do not overbake or bars will dry out.
  10. Cool completely in the pan on a rack. Lift out using the parchment once cool.
  11. Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until thick but pourable. Drizzle over cooled bars. Add sprinkles, if using. Let set 15–20 minutes, then slice.