The Best Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars come together with minimal fuss. They give you that classic sugar cookie taste but in a convenient bar form, and the fresh strawberries add a lovely burst of sweetness. This recipe is my go-to for a quick dessert that always impresses, and I think you will find it just as easy and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional, for glaze)

Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. The dough will be slightly sticky, so you can use a piece of parchment paper or lightly wet your hands to help spread it. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry extract if using. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares. These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are best enjoyed the same day, but they store well too.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 24 bars. The total time is approximately 40 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time.

Variations

For a different twist, you can substitute the fresh strawberries with raspberries or blueberries. If you prefer a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are also delicious with a cream cheese frosting instead of the simple glaze.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can microwave a single bar for about 10 to 15 seconds to soften it slightly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well first to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden and the center should be set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a dairy-free milk in the glaze.

Why is my dough so sticky?

The dough for these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars is naturally sticky due to the fresh strawberries. Use a piece of parchment paper on top while pressing it into the pan to make it easier.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two 9×13 inch pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars as much as I do. They are a wonderful way to celebrate fresh strawberries and a simple dessert that always brings a smile. For another fruity treat, be sure to try my Lemon Blueberry Bars or my Raspberry Crumble Bars. The key to the best strawberries is choosing ripe ones, which you can learn more about on Wikipedia’s strawberry page. For perfect bar baking, understanding your oven temperature is crucial, as explained on this Wikipedia article about baking. Happy baking!

The Best Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Print Recipe

Discover the ultimate Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars—soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh berry flavor. Perfect for summer parties or a sweet treat any time.

• Author: CookingByNess
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in strawberries.
5. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
6. Cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and strawberry extract. Drizzle over cooled bars. Let set 15 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Dough will be sticky. Use parchment paper to press it into the pan. Store in an airtight container.