Poptart Cookie Bars (Print View)

Soft sugar cookie bars with jam filling and sweet glaze

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
05 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
06 - ½ tsp baking powder
07 - ½ tsp salt

→ Filling

08 - ¾ cup strawberry jam

→ Glaze & Topping

09 - 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
10 - 2–3 tbsp milk
11 - ¼ tsp vanilla extract
12 - Sprinkles for decoration

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
07 - Spread strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
08 - Crumble remaining dough over jam layer and press gently to adhere.
09 - Bake for 23–27 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set.
10 - Let cool completely in pan on wire rack before glazing.
11 - Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
12 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bars and immediately top with sprinkles. Let set for 15 minutes before cutting.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The soft sugar cookie base tastes like childhood happiness with a texture thats perfectly tender and slightly chewy
  • They come together in under an hour but look like you spent all day in the kitchen
02 -
  • Press the bottom layer of dough firmly and evenly because thin spots will cause the jam to bubble through and create sticky patches
  • Let these cool completely before glazing or your beautiful frosting will melt right off and pool in the valleys
03 -
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to work with, which makes pressing it into the pan so much easier
  • Warm the jam slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds before spreading to make it glide smoothly across the dough

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