If you’re searching for the dessert that’s about to steal every potluck and birthday party, this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe is your new kitchen hero! Imagine soft, colorful cookie bars loaded with bits of strawberry Pop-Tart, swirled with jam, and crowned with a sweet glaze and sprinkles. They’re a nostalgic mash-up that blends the best parts of your childhood breakfast treat with the joy of a bakery-fresh cookie, all in one easy-to-share batch. Whether you’re baking with kids or just feeding your craving for fruity, gooey fun, this recipe is all about celebrating the playful side of dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few essential pantry staples and that pop of color and flavor from the Pop-Tarts themselves. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the bars soft, rich, perfectly sweet, and bursting with berry surprises.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the bars rich flavor and a chewy, tender texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): The main source of sweetness that melts beautifully into the dough.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a touch of molasses flavor and extra moisture for chewiness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help the bars rise slightly.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Gives warmth and rounds out all the sweet berry flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The structure of your cookie bars—don’t pack it down when measuring!
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet elements for a more complex flavor.
- Strawberry Pop-Tarts (4, chopped): The absolute star—bold flavor, fun bites, and colorful flecks throughout.
- Strawberry jam (1/2 cup): Swirled in for extra berry gooeyness and jammy pockets.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt into creamy pools for extra richness and contrast.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth finish.
- Milk (2 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins out the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Infuses the glaze with a little extra flavor.
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional): The bright, festive finish that makes these bars extra fun for every occasion.
How to Make Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze and ensures every bar comes out in one perfect, picture-ready piece.
Step 2: Cream butters and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for bars with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb!
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and keep beating until everything is fully combined. This gives the dough its structure and that cozy, bakery-style aroma.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing—just a few quick folds should do it. You want soft bars, not tough ones!
Step 5: Fold in the fun
Now for the best part: gently fold in the chopped Pop-Tarts, strawberry jam, and white chocolate chips. The Pop-Tarts add unexpected pops of flavor and color, while the jam gives you little jammy jewels in every slice. Fold until everything looks marbled and well distributed.
Step 6: Bake to cookie bar perfection
Scrape the dough into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell in your kitchen will be irresistible! Let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Step 7: Glaze and sparkle
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle it all over the cooled bars. Top with rainbow sprinkles if you’re channeling your inner kid, then let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes. Slice, serve, and get ready for big smiles.
How to Serve Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t hold back on the flashy finishes! Drizzle plenty of that glossy vanilla glaze over the bars and scatter a generous pinch of rainbow sprinkles on top. For even more pizzazz, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate works beautifully. If you want a grown-up vibe, fresh sliced strawberries look gorgeous alongside the playful sprinkle of the glaze.
Side Dishes
These bars pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a vibrant fruit salad for contrast. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert buffet, set out bowls of whipped cream or yogurt dip for dunking—trust me, Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe lovers always want to experiment.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the usual cookie bar square: cut your bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters once they’ve cooled and glazed, or skewer them for a whimsical dessert kabob. For a party platter, stack the bars in a rainbow pyramid and top with extra sprinkles. Or, package them in cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for a cheerful bake sale or birthday party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking. They stay moist and delicious, making them perfect for snacking all week long!
Freezing
Need to save some for later? Freeze the bars (unglazed for best results) in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then pop them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze and sprinkles for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, zap individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The white chocolate softens and the interior gets just a little gooey—like a hug in dessert form! If you’ve frozen the bars, let them thaw first to avoid any texture changes.
FAQs
Can I use different Pop-Tart flavors in this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap in any Pop-Tart flavor you love, from blueberry to s’mores or even cinnamon. Each brings a different personality to the bars, so have fun mixing and matching for new dessert adventures.
What’s the best way to cut even bars?
Let the cookie bars cool completely and use a sharp chef’s knife. For super clean slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting and wipe your knife between cuts. This helps the glaze stay immaculate for serving!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! You can easily double the Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe and bake in two pans, or use a larger pan if you have one. Just keep an eye on baking time—it may take a few minutes longer if the dough is thicker.
How do I make these bars gluten free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and use gluten-free toaster pastries. The texture might be a bit softer, but they’ll still be delicious and crowd-pleasing.
My glaze is too runny or too thick, what should I do?
If your glaze is too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until it thickens up. If it’s too thick to drizzle, stir in milk, one teaspoon at a time. You want a silky consistency that clings, but still flows beautifully over your bars.
Final Thoughts
Baking up a batch of this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe is pure childhood joy in every bite—fun, colorful, and guaranteed to make any day a little brighter. Try it for your next get-together or bake sale, and get ready for rave reviews from kids and grown-ups alike. Happy baking!
Print
Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Poptart Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of strawberry Pop-Tarts with white chocolate chips in a chewy cookie bar form. Topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, these bars are perfect for parties or a fun dessert.
Ingredients
Main Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 strawberry Pop-Tarts (chopped into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped Pop-Tarts, strawberry jam, and white chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread the dough in the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- You can customize these bars with your favorite Pop-Tart flavors and jams.
- Perfect for parties, bake sales, or a weekend treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
