Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
6-8 Pop Tarts (strawberry or blueberry work wonderfully)
¼ cup sprinkles
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: food coloring

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Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and lovingly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt; set this dry mixture aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Next, beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and a touch of almond extract, which adds a beautiful depth of flavor that complements the fruit.
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars!
Divide your glorious cookie dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating a lovely, consistent base. Unwrap your chosen Pop Tarts (strawberry or blueberry are always a hit!) and arrange them in a single layer directly over the cookie dough base. Depending on your pan size, you might need to trim a few Pop Tarts to get a neat fit, often 3×4 or 4×3 works perfectly. With the remaining cookie dough, gently crumble it over the top of the Pop Tarts, making sure they are mostly covered. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect blanket; the dough will spread beautifully as it bakes.
Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, as it will firm up as it cools. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to frost them. This is crucial for clean cuts!
While your magnificent Pop Tart Cookie Bars are cooling, it’s time to whip up the dreamy vanilla glaze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, a splash of milk, melted butter, and a dash of pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and lusciously creamy. You’re aiming for a consistency that’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time; if it’s too thin, whisk in a little more confectioners’ sugar. If you’re feeling extra festive, now’s the time to stir in a drop or two of your favorite food coloring to match your Pop Tarts or the occasion! This glaze will provide that signature sweet, slightly crisp finish that perfectly tops off the chewy bars.
Once your Pop Tart Cookie Bars are entirely cool, it’s time for the grand finale – decorating! Carefully pour or spread the prepared vanilla glaze evenly over the cooled bars, making sure to get good coverage right to the edges. Before the glaze sets, generously scatter your favorite colorful sprinkles all over the top. The sprinkles will adhere beautifully to the still-wet glaze, adding a pop of color and a fun, festive touch. Once the glaze has firmed up (this can take about 15-30 minutes, depending on your kitchen’s humidity), you can use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into individual bars using a sharp, non-serrated knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife clean between each slice. Arrange them artfully on a platter for a truly irresistible presentation.

Notes

These Pop Tart Cookie Bars are an instant classic, marrying the buttery, crumbly joy of a sugar cookie base with the gooey, fruity heart of your favorite Pop Tart, all crowned with a sweet, vibrant frosting. They’re a symphony of textures – a tender crumb yielding to a soft, fruity center, finished with a smooth, slightly crisp icing – creating an utterly irresistible treat that’s both playful and profoundly satisfying.

Author: sofie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American