Description
Delicious cookie bars filled with fruity jam, reminiscent of childhood memories and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 2 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup strawberry preserves
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½–2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Mix in the flour, salt, and baking soda until dough begins to form.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the lined pan.
- Freeze the first layer temporarily on a baking sheet.
- Press the remaining cookie dough evenly into the pan.
- Spread the strawberry preserves over the top of the cookie dough.
- Top with the first layer from the freezer, pressing down gently.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Invert the bars and whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour icing over the top and sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.
- Let sit for 1-2 hours until icing sets, then cut into 15 bars.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is at room temperature and chill the dough to make it easier to work with. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baking, dessert, cookie bars, nostalgia, treats