Pop Tart Cookie Bars

These Pop Tart Cookie Bars are a fun and irresistible twist on the classic toaster pastry! Imagine everything you love about strawberry pop tarts—sweet jam filling, soft cookie layers, and a sugary glaze—transformed into thick, chewy cookie bars. Easy to make and packed with nostalgic flavor, these bars are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself 😉).

🌟 Why You’ll Love These Bars

Tastes like a real pop tart – but softer, richer, and homemade
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Soft & chewy texture with a sweet fruity center
Customizable – swap the jam flavor for any occasion
Fun and colorful with glaze + rainbow sprinkles

🧁 Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2/3 cup strawberry preserves

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2–2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Dough

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda until a soft dough forms. Chill for 20 minutes.

3. Create the Layers

Press half of the dough into the pan. Remove and freeze briefly.

Press remaining dough evenly into the pan. Spread strawberry preserves on top.

Place the chilled dough layer over the jam and press gently to seal.

4. Bake

Bake for 25–28 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

5. Glaze & Decorate

Flip the bars so the bottom becomes the top.

Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, spread over bars, and add sprinkles.

Let set for 1–2 hours before slicing into bars.

💡 Baking Tips

Use a metal square pan for best texture
Chill dough to make layering easier
Let glaze fully set before cutting
Use clean hands when pressing dough

🔄 Variations

Swap strawberry for blueberry, raspberry, or grape jam
Add flavored sprinkles for themed occasions
Try almond extract for a flavor twist

📦 Storage

Store at room temperature for up to 4–5 days
Freeze for up to 3 months

✨ These Pop Tart Cookie Bars are soft, sweet, and full of nostalgic flavor—perfect for parties, bake sales, or whenever you want a fun homemade treat!