Imagine your favorite childhood toaster pastry meeting the irresistible chewy goodness of a home-baked treat—that’s exactly what you get with Pop Tart Cookie Bars. These bars boast layers of buttery sugar cookie, a sweet strawberry center, and a pretty pastel glaze topped with rainbow sprinkles. Each bite is like a cozy taste of nostalgia, rich with jammy sweetness and a soft, tender crumb. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing bake sale gem or a whimsical dessert for your next get-together, these Pop Tart Cookie Bars deliver all the fun and flavor you could hope for in one easy-to-slice square.

Pop Tart Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pop Tart Cookie Bars is how they transform simple pantry staples into something incredibly magical. Every ingredient has a purpose—from the rich butter base to the burst of strawberry preserves and obligatory sprinkle shower. Gather your basics, and let’s turn them into a dessert everyone will remember.

Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter gives your dough that signature tender crumb and ensures even mixing.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie bars and adds that nostalgic, classic sugar cookie flavor.
Large eggs: Eggs provide richness and structure, holding these bars together in perfect harmony.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Don’t skip this! It deeply enhances the overall aroma and flavor of the bars.
All-purpose flour: Flour gives structure, creating that perfect sturdy-yet-soft cookie bar texture.
Fine sea salt: Just a touch balances all the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise ever so slightly, keeping them soft rather than dense.
Strawberry preserves: This is your “Pop Tart” jammy filling—use a good-quality brand for maximum fruity flavor.
Powdered sugar: The foundation for your glaze for that signature Pop Tart finish.
Whole milk: Loosens up the glaze, making it perfectly pourable and shiny.
Rainbow sprinkles: No Pop Tart experience is complete without a playful rain of sprinkles on top!

How to Make Pop Tart Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by lining a square 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over all sides. This trick makes for super-easy removal later and guarantees you keep those beautiful bar edges intact. While you’re at it, preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C) so it’s ready when you are.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for a solid three minutes. You’re looking for a light and fluffy mixture—don’t rush this! This step sets the stage for super-tender Pop Tart Cookie Bars. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so nothing gets left behind.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs and vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste if you’re feeling fancy!) and beat until just combined. Again, scrape down the bowl to make sure every bit is getting the love it needs—this pays off in flavor and texture later.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Pour in the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda. Mix until the dough just comes together; don’t over-mix. The dough should be soft, a bit tacky, but not sticky. If it feels too soft to handle, no worries—you’re about to chill it!

Step 5: Chill and Layer the Dough

Pop the bowl of dough into the fridge for a quick 20-minute chill. This little break makes spreading the dough in the pan so much easier and keeps the layers distinct. Once chilled, press half the dough evenly into the bottom of your lined pan. Carefully lift this layer out using the parchment, transfer it to a baking sheet, and freeze it while you prep the second half.

Step 6: Create the Filling Layer

Replace the parchment in the pan, then press the remaining dough evenly over the bottom. Now, get generous with a layer of strawberry preserves, spreading it edge to edge for a jammy surprise in every bite. Retrieve the chilled dough layer from the freezer and gently lay it over the jam, peeling away the parchment. Press it down just so the edges seal.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Slide your pan into the oven, and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible at this point—pure nostalgia! Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t rush the cooling; this sets up the layers and prevents messy slices.

Step 8: Glaze and Sprinkles!

Once completely cool, lift the bars out using the parchment and flip upside down—that way, the super-smooth bottom becomes your gorgeous top. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until smooth and pourable. Pour over the bars, spreading gently, and finish with a joyful sprinkle shower. Let the glaze set for 1–2 hours at room temp, then cut into 15 perfect Pop Tart Cookie Bars.

How to Serve Pop Tart Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Iconic rainbow sprinkles aren’t just decoration—they give a magical crunch and a burst of color that makes each bite feel like a celebration. For an extra-special touch, try adding a fine drizzle of white chocolate, a dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder, or even some edible glitter to really make your Pop Tart Cookie Bars party-ready.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat, or go bold with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side. For a grown-up spin, a tiny mug of espresso or a steaming cup of black tea provides the perfect balance to the bars’ sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Pop Tart Cookie Bars into classic squares, playful mini bites for a dessert buffet, or even long, skinny fingers for dunking in milk. Stack them in colorful cupcake liners or wrap them up in cellophane with a ribbon for adorable edible gifts. They also shine as the centerpiece of a brunch spread or a fun after-school snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pop Tart Cookie Bars keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to five days if your kitchen runs warm. Just place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully, making them a perfect option for make-ahead treats. Once the glaze has set, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer-safe zip bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick, ready-to-go treat anytime.

Reheating

While Pop Tart Cookie Bars are fantastic at room temperature, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness—just beware the glaze might melt. If you like your bars slightly crisp, pop them in a low oven (300 F) for several minutes until just warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! Any favorite jam—raspberry, blueberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry blend—will work beautifully in these Pop Tart Cookie Bars. Just make sure it’s not too runny, so the layers stay separated.

Do I have to use rainbow sprinkles?

Nope! While rainbow sprinkles give that classic nostalgic look, you can use chocolate jimmies, sanding sugar, or omit them entirely for a more minimalist finish.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

For sure. Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Keep an eye on bake time—a bigger batch may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Could I make these gluten free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture might differ slightly but you’ll still get delicious results. Always check that your sprinkles and jam are gluten free too.

How do I get perfect, clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely and allow the glaze to fully set before slicing. Use a large sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. For ultra-neat edges, chill the bars in the fridge for an hour before cutting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re chasing that perfect mashup of childhood joy and home-baked love, you absolutely need to give these Pop Tart Cookie Bars a try. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring big smiles to anyone who takes a bite. So grab your sprinkles, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a tray of pure happiness!