Looking for a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Say hello to Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars! These bars are the perfect combination of sweet, buttery cookie goodness and tangy strawberry preserves. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a homemade treat, these bars are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (about 1/2 cup, sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Dough: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Spread Strawberry Preserves: Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the strawberry preserves layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Storage: Store the strawberry sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Additional Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves such as raspberry, blackberry, or mixed berry for variety.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly.
Q: Can I substitute the strawberry preserves with fresh strawberries? A: While fresh strawberries can be used, they may release more moisture during baking, potentially altering the texture of the bars.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Substitute almond flour or a blend of almond and coconut flour for the all-purpose flour.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar.
- Opt for sugar-free strawberry preserves or make your own using fresh strawberries and a keto-friendly sweetener.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a low-carb sweetener of your choice.
- Use almond flour or a blend of almond and coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Choose sugar-free or low-sugar strawberry preserves to minimize carb content.
Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery, crumbly texture and burst of fruity flavor, these bars are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast indulgence, these bars are simple to make and utterly delicious. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress with these irresistible Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars!
