Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pop Tart Cookie Bars

Preparing the Cookie Base

Begin  by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This simple step will save you considerable frustration when it’s time to cut the bars.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process typically takes 3-4 minutes of consistent work.

Create a well in the center of the mixture and add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix gently until the dough comes together. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed. Reserve about one cup of this mixture for the streusel topping and refrigerate it.

Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to achieve a smooth, compact layer. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.

Creating the Perfect Filling

The filling transforms ordinary cookie dough into authentic Pop Tart Cookie Bars. In a medium saucepan, combine your chosen fruit jam with cornstarch and lemon juice. The cornstarch is crucial—it thickens the filling so it doesn’t make the cookie base soggy.

Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens noticeably, which usually takes 3-4 minutes. The mixture should coat the back of your spoon and hold its shape when you draw a line through it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while the cookie base pre-bakes.

Bake the cookie base for 12-15 minutes until it’s just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Remove it from the oven and immediately spread the fruit filling evenly over the hot crust, leaving about a quarter-inch border around the edges.

Adding the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping gives these signature texture. Remove the reserved dough from the refrigerator and add the additional flour and cold butter. Work these ingredients together until large crumbs form.

Scatter these crumbs evenly over the fruit filling, creating an attractive rustic appearance. Don’t worry about complete coverage—the gaps allow the beautiful fruit filling to peek through, making the bars more visually appealing.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this final baking stage is absolutely intoxicating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pop Tart Cookie Bars

Through numerous batches of Pop Tart Cookie Bars, I’ve learned that temperature control is everything. First, keep your butter cold when making the dough—this ensures that perfect crumbly texture. Second, don’t overbake the initial crust layer, as it continues cooking once you add the filling and return it to the oven.

Another crucial tip involves the fruit filling. If your jam is particularly runny, increase the cornstarch slightly to ensure proper thickness. Conversely, if it’s very thick, add a tablespoon of water to help it spread more easily.

Finally, patience during cooling makes all the difference. Allow to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. I usually let them sit for at least two hours, though overnight refrigeration produces the cleanest cuts.

Nutritional Information for Pop Tart Cookie Bars

Each Pop Tart Cookie Bar (based on 24 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 185
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g

These values will vary depending on the type of jam used and exact portion sizes. Using reduced-sugar preserves can lower the overall sugar content significantly.