Deliciously Easy Pop Tart Cookie Bars: Your New Favorite Dessert

Pop-Tarts are a beloved treat for both kids and adults, but have you ever thought about turning them into cookie bars? These Pop Tart Cookie Bars combine the deliciousness of classic Pop-Tarts with the chewy goodness of a cookie, creating a treat that’s nostalgic and new at the same time. Whether you’re a Pop-Tart fan or just love a fun dessert, this recipe is bound to be a hit.

In this post, we’ll take you through every step of the recipe, providing extra tips and advice to ensure your cookie bars turn out perfect. The goal is to make the process easy for both novice bakers and seasoned pros while making sure you end up with a dessert that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Pop Tart Cookie Bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ⅔ cup strawberry preserves (or your favorite jam flavor)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the frosting)
• 1½ tbsp milk (for the frosting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the frosting)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your oven is ready when you need it.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend them until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, and add 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of flour, ½ tsp of baking soda, and ½ tsp of sea salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Assembling the Layers

1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal parts. This will form the base and the top layers of your cookie bars.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they are baked.
3. Press the First Layer: Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly to cover the base. Use your hands or a spatula to get it as flat as possible.
4. Add the Jam: Spread ⅔ cup of strawberry preserves evenly over the dough layer. Be sure to get it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Baking the Bars

1. Top the Jam Layer: Take the remaining cookie dough and carefully press it over the jam layer. This part can be tricky, so it’s helpful to flatten the dough between your hands before laying it on top. You can also chill the dough for 20 minutes before handling to make it less sticky.
2. Bake: Place the assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Check the edges, as they should be slightly crispy but not overdone.
3. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before attempting to cut them. This ensures they hold their shape when sliced.

Preparing the Frosting

1. Mix the Frosting Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1½ tbsp of milk, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
2. Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the frosting over the top in zig-zag patterns. You can also use a piping bag for a more precise look.
3. Add Sprinkles: If you’d like, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting for that classic Pop-Tart look.

Finishing Touches

1. Slice and Serve: Once the frosting has set, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
2. Store Leftovers: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Pop Tart Cookie Bars

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before assembling the layers makes it easier to handle and ensures the bars hold their shape while baking.
2. Even Jam Layer: To prevent uneven bars, make sure your jam layer is spread evenly across the bottom cookie dough.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. If they overcook, the edges will become too crispy, and the inside will lose its chewiness.
4. Frosting Options: Feel free to get creative with the frosting! You can add food coloring to match a theme or use different flavors of extract, such as almond or lemon, for a twist.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using Cold Butter: Be sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter will not blend smoothly, and your dough will be too stiff.
2. Overmixing the Dough: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
3. Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars too soon will result in a gooey mess. Patience is key here—let them cool completely!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! You can use any flavor of preserves or jam you like. Raspberry, blueberry, or even peach would be delicious alternatives.

How do I make the bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the jam and other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Can I freeze Pop Tart Cookie Bars?

Yes! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

Pop Tart Cookie Bars are the ultimate fun treat, combining the best of both worlds—cookies and Pop-Tarts! With layers of buttery cookie dough and sweet jam, topped with a drizzle of frosting and sprinkles, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a bake sale, or just because, they’re sure to impress.

By following the tips and instructions in this recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!