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 cup sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup strawberry jam; Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings

I love making these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars when the weather warms up and fresh strawberries are in season. The combination of soft, chewy cookies with sweet strawberry jam brings a taste of spring to my kitchen. I enjoy baking these with friends and family, and they always disappear quickly. The bright flavor of the strawberries paired with the buttery vanilla cookies makes for a delightful treat that everyone will adore. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for spring gatherings.

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:48:44.320Z

When I first baked these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars, I was captivated by how vibrant and lively they looked. Each layer, from the cookie base to the fruit filling, exudes the essence of spring. I experimented with different ratios of strawberries and sugar, finally landing on the perfect mix that balances sweetness and tartness, making every bite a burst of flavor.

One tip I discovered is to allow the strawberry jam to cool slightly before spreading it over the cookies. This simple step prevents the jam from melting into the cookie base too much, helping to maintain the cookie's structure and prevent sogginess. It enhances the texture and makes for a more satisfying bite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Chewy, soft base bursting with fruity flavor
Perfect for springtime gatherings and picnics
Easy to make with simple ingredients

The Perfect Cookie Base

The cookie base is what truly sets these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars apart. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, creating a balanced sweetness essential for this dessert. It's crucial to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This step creates air pockets in the dough, contributing to a lighter, chewier bar rather than a dense one.

When mixing the dry ingredients, ensure you sift the flour first. This incorporates air and helps prevent lumps, resulting in a smoother dough. Properly measuring your flour is also important; too much can lead to a tough texture. I recommend using the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

Perfecting the Strawberry Layer

Using a good-quality strawberry jam is essential for achieving the best flavor profile in these bars. Look for jams with real fruit and minimal added sugars to enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries. If you prefer a fresher taste, consider making your own jam by cooking down fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until it thickens up nicely.

If you want to ramp up the freshness, adding a layer of thinly sliced fresh strawberries on top of the jam before adding the crumble can make this dessert even more vibrant. Just be careful not to overload it, as the extra moisture can affect the baking process.

Serving and Storing Your Bars

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into them. This cooling period allows them to firm up, making for cleaner cuts. If you're serving these at a picnic or gathering, consider cutting them into smaller squares for easy sharing, and always allow for a little time to let the flavors meld after they cool.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week, making them a fantastic treat to prepare ahead of time. If you find yourself with extras, I recommend freezing them. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag, which allows for easy thawing later.

Ingredients

Cookie Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Strawberry Jam Layer

1 cup strawberry jam
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Steps to Make

Prepare the Cookie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, combining until a soft dough forms.

Assemble the Bars

Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish as the base. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the top. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the jam layer.

Bake and Cool

Bake for 25 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries.

Enjoy Your Bars!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, feel free to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving to enhance the presentation.

Substitutions and Dietary Modifications

If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider substituting half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though this may affect the texture and consistency slightly. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.

For those wanting a richer flavor, using brown sugar instead of white sugar will impart a caramel-like taste to the cookie base. Additionally, you can use coconut oil in place of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version. Just remember, melting coconut oil and letting it cool before adding it to the mix is crucial to maintain the right texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookie bars turn out too dry, it might be due to over-measuring the flour or overbaking. To avoid this, make sure to measure accurately and check for doneness a couple of minutes before the minimum bake time, pulling them out when the edges are golden but the center may still look slightly underbaked—the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

For a bar that spreads too much, ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. A too-warm butter can lead to overly spreadable dough. If the dough seems too warm upon assembly, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the baking dish.

Presentation Ideas

For an eye-catching presentation, consider dusting the tops of the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a beautiful contrast against the soft, buttery base and highlights the sweet strawberry flavor. You can also drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for a decadent touch.

If you're looking to elevate the experience, serving these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform them into a more luxurious dessert. The creaminess complements the fruity notes beautifully, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top can add an appealing crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of jam?

Yes, you can substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked bars for up to two months. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly.

→ What if I don't have fresh strawberries?

If fresh strawberries aren't available, simply omit them or use dried strawberries as a garnish!