Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings

I absolutely love baking during the spring, and these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The moment I take them out of the oven, the sweet aroma of strawberries combined with buttery sugar cookies fills the air, enticing everyone around. Each bite is soft and chewy, with a delightful burst of fresh strawberries that make the bars perfect for springtime celebrations or simply indulging on a sunny afternoon. Trust me, these bars are a treat you won’t want to pass up!

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:44:52.343Z

When I first made these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars, I didn’t expect them to turn out so well! The combination of sweet, ripe strawberries and the buttery sugar cookie base was an absolute hit at my family gatherings. I realized that letting the strawberries macerate a bit beforehand really enhances their flavor and helps release some excess juice, preventing the bars from becoming soggy. Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best results!

One thing I learned was the importance of not overmixing the dough. This keeps the texture light and tender, which is exactly what you want in a cookie bar. I even added a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a nice contrast to the sweetness. You’ll definitely want to give these a try!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Delightfully chewy texture with bursts of fresh strawberries
Easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings
Beautifully colorful and inviting for spring celebrations

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Topping

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.

Add Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.

Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bars and serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough. It complements the strawberries beautifully and adds a refreshing twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for a dairy-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.