Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings

As the days get warmer and the flowers bloom, I'm reminded of one of my favorite treats: Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars. This recipe brings together the lightness of spring with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a delightful dessert that's perfect for any gathering. I love how the buttery cookie base pairs beautifully with the fresh strawberries, making every bite a delicious celebration of the season. Plus, they're simple to make and ideal for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet afternoon.

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:52:51.144Z

When I first decided to make these Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars, I wanted to find a way to capture the essence of spring in a dessert. The pairing of vibrant strawberries with the soft cookie base seemed like a match made in heaven. I remember tasting the combination for the first time and being blown away by how the flavors blended perfectly, reminiscent of sunny afternoon picnics.

To elevate the taste, I experimented with using both fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla extract. The result was nothing short of magical—every bite bursts with fruity goodness, and the cookie's texture provides that lovely chewiness which is just irresistible. I can't wait to share this recipe with others!

What You'll Love About These Bars
The vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries brighten up the cookie's sweetness
A soft, chewy cookie base that makes them incredibly satisfying
Ideal for spring gatherings or a sweet afternoon treat

The Importance of Fresh Strawberries

Using fresh strawberries is key to making these sugar cookie bars shine. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture not only enhance the overall flavor but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery cookie base. When selecting strawberries, choose those that are vibrant in color and free from blemishes. Their freshness will elevate the dish significantly, so I recommend buying them just a day or two before you plan to make these bars.

If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can opt for frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy texture. This change will alter the flavor slightly, as the tartness can intensify when using frozen berries, but it’s a viable alternative. Remember, the goal is to capture that bright, fruity essence that embodies spring.

Perfecting the Cookie Base

Achieving a soft and chewy cookie base is all about the creaming process. When you beat the butter and granulated sugar together, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed. This step incorporates air, leading to a tender texture once baked. Don’t rush this part; the fluffier the mixture, the better the end result.

Make sure not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. The dough should be just combined – a few floury streaks are acceptable. Overmixing can lead to tough bars rather than the tender goodness you desire. If you find the dough is too sticky to spread easily in the pan, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes can help manage it better.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Base

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

For the Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure to wash and prepare your strawberries before adding them to the mixture.

Instructions

Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Make the Strawberry Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss until the strawberries are well coated. Pour the strawberry mixture over the sugar cookie base, spreading it evenly.

Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and Serve

Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and enjoy! These can be served warm or at room temperature and are excellent for sharing.

Enjoy these delicious bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Pro Tips

For a touch of additional flavor, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars can be served warm, straight from the oven, which offers a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience with the strawberries still warm and juicy. Alternatively, they’re excellent at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or potlucks. For an extra indulgent treat, consider dusting the tops with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar for added brightness.

For a fun twist, try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when serving. This combination not only adds a creamy element but also makes it feel more festive.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These bars store beautifully at room temperature for about 3 days, thanks to the cookie’s structure and the moisture from the strawberries. To keep them fresh longer, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent the bars from drying out, I recommend placing a piece of wax paper between the bars and the lid to keep moisture in.

If you want to make these bars in advance, they freeze well too. After slicing, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-friendly container. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Variations to Consider

Feel free to experiment with different fruits for the topping, especially if strawberries aren't in season. Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or even thinly sliced peaches can be fantastic alternatives that still complement the cookie base well. Each of these fruits will bring its unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor the bars to your specific taste or what's available.

For a more decadent version, you might incorporate white chocolate chips into the cookie dough. The sweet creaminess of the chocolate harmonizes with the tartness of the berries, creating a delicious contrast. Just fold in about a cup of chips after the dry ingredients to keep that beautiful texture intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the leftover bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute the butter with a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! Using a dairy-free butter will work well in this recipe.

→ What can I serve these bars with?

These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.