If you’re craving a treat that feels like a throwback to childhood breakfasts but with a bakery-style twist, this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the nostalgia of fruity Pop-Tarts, wrapped up in a thick, buttery cookie bar, layered with luscious jam, and finished with a playful glaze and sprinkles. These bars are the ultimate comfort dessert: soft, chewy, and brimming with fun flavors that’ll bring a huge smile to anyone’s face—kids and adults alike!

Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is quick and easy, and each one brings something special to these bars. From the creamy richness of butter to the bright, fruity pop of jam and Pop-Tarts, every element matters for that signature taste and soft, delightful texture.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a rich, tender base and gives these bars their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a light, golden crumb.
Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for even more depth.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add structure to the cookie bars.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and brings out the sweetness of the Pop-Tarts and jam.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Forms the bulk of the dough and gives the bars their sturdy, chewy bite.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift so your bars stay soft, not dense.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
Strawberry or raspberry Pop-Tarts (4, chopped): The star ingredient! They add fruity bursts and a nostalgic crunch.
White chocolate chips (½ cup): Offer creamy, sweet pockets that complement the fruitiness.
Strawberry or raspberry jam (½ cup): Creates a gooey, fruity ribbon running through the center.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): The base for a sweet, simple drizzle on top.
Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, for glaze): Adds a fragrant note to the glaze.
Sprinkles: For a festive finish, choose your favorite colors or shapes!

How to Make Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This step ensures your Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe will release easily and cut cleanly after baking—no sticking, no crumbling!

Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving the bars that tender, bakery-style texture. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. This ensures your cookie bars have structure without being tough—don’t overmix!

Step 4: Fold in Pop-Tarts and Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part: gently fold in the chopped Pop-Tarts and white chocolate chips. These add bursts of flavor and texture, making every bite of the Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe a delightful surprise.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Spread half the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Warm the jam slightly (just until it’s spreadable), then gently spread it over the dough layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the jam, then carefully spread it out to cover the jam as much as possible. It’s okay if a little jam peeks through!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—patience is key for clean, beautiful slices!

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

For that iconic Pop-Tart finish, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and shower with sprinkles. Let the glaze set fully before slicing into squares and serving your irresistible Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe.

How to Serve Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a true Pop-Tart vibe, top each bar with an extra sprinkle of colorful jimmies or sanding sugar. A little drizzle of white chocolate or a few fresh berry slices on the side can also make each piece feel bakery-fancy.

Side Dishes

These bars are a sweet treat all by themselves, but if you want to round out the dessert table, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a glass of cold milk for dunking. Their fruity, chewy goodness pairs perfectly with creamy or cool sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties, or stack them in a tall tower for a celebratory dessert display. They also make great lunchbox treats or edible gifts—just wrap a few in parchment and tie with a ribbon for instant happiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors meld and the texture stays just right, making them just as delicious (if not more so) the next day!

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe later, freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick, ready-to-go treat.

Reheating

While these bars are scrumptious at room temp, you can warm them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that just-baked gooeyness. The glaze may soften, but the flavor will be as dreamy as ever!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Pop-Tart?

Absolutely! While strawberry or raspberry are classic, feel free to experiment with blueberry, cherry, or even a chocolate variety for a unique twist on the Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife—wiping it clean between cuts helps keep those layers neat and pretty!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check that your Pop-Tart flavor is gluten-free as well. The results will still be soft, chewy, and full of fun.

Do I have to add the glaze on top?

Nope! The glaze is optional, but it adds that iconic Pop-Tart look. If you prefer less sweetness or want to skip the extra step, these bars are delicious all on their own.

How long will the Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars keep their flavor and texture for up to three days at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to relive those carefree, Pop-Tart-filled mornings with a bakery-worthy twist, this Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe is sure to win you over. It’s easy, fun, and absolutely irresistible—so gather your ingredients, invite a friend to bake with you, and treat yourself to something truly special!

Poptart Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these nostalgic Poptart Cookie Bars featuring a buttery cookie base mixed with chopped Pop-Tarts and white chocolate chips, layered with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a sugary glaze and sprinkles. Perfect for a fun twist on classic desserts, these bars are easy to bake and sure to bring back childhood memories.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
4 strawberry or raspberry Pop-Tarts, chopped
½ cup white chocolate chips

Filling

½ cup strawberry or raspberry jam

Glaze (Optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, to ensure a smooth dough base.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth, cohesive batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in Pop-Tarts and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chopped Pop-Tarts and white chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout for bursts of flavor.
Assemble Layers: Spread half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Warm the strawberry or raspberry jam slightly to make it easier to spread, then layer it evenly over the dough.
Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the jam in patches, then carefully spread it out to cover the jam layer as evenly as possible.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes or until the top turns a golden brown and the center is just set but not overbaked.
Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up before adding the glaze or slicing.
Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bars and sprinkle with sprinkles as decoration.
Set and Serve: Let the glaze set fully before slicing the bars into 16 squares to serve.

Notes

You can use any Pop-Tart flavor you prefer for variety and customization.
For firmer bars that hold their shape better, refrigerate the bars before cutting.
The glaze is optional but adds a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American