Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced; 1/2 cup mashed strawberries; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Classic Cakes & Desserts

I absolutely love springtime, especially when it comes to creating vibrant desserts that celebrate the season. These Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are one of my favorite treats to make; they're sweet, delightful, and packed with fresh strawberries. The buttery cookie base perfectly complements the juicy strawberries, and every bite takes me back to sunny picnics with friends. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for gatherings or just a sweet indulgence at home.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:25:36.230Z

As I was experimenting in the kitchen, I decided to pair my classic sugar cookie recipe with fresh strawberries. The result was nothing short of magical! The lightness of the cookie combined with the burst of berry flavor creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any spring occasion. I found that chilling the dough helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives the bars the perfect texture.

One essential tip I discovered is to use ripe, fresh strawberries and to mash half of them to create a sweet spread that complements the cookie base. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nice texture contrast. Trust me, these bars will charm anyone who tries them!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sweet and buttery cookie bars loaded with fresh strawberries
Easy to make and perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dessert
The vibrant flavors are a true celebration of springtime

Creating the Perfect Cookie Base

The buttery cookie base is the foundation of these delightful bars, and using room temperature butter is key to achieving the right consistency. When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture—this process typically takes about 3-5 minutes. If the mixture looks grainy or doesn't hold air well, continue mixing it until it achieves that smooth, glossy state.

Don't skimp on the vanilla extract; it adds a warmth that enhances the overall flavor of the bars. It’s also essential to gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to avoid overworking the dough. This gentle mixing will help prevent the cookies from becoming tough, ensuring a soft and tender texture once baked.

Infusing Fresh Strawberry Flavor

Strawberries are the star of this recipe, and ensuring that they are fresh and ripe will significantly enhance the flavor. When hulled and diced, the strawberries should be vibrant and fragrant; if they lack sweetness, consider sprinkling them with a little sugar to macerate them for about 10-15 minutes before combining them with the other topping ingredients. This will draw out extra juice and intensify their flavor.

In balance with the sweetness of the cookie base, the strawberry topping should provide a fresh and tart contrast. The cornstarch plays a crucial role by thickening the juices released during baking, resulting in a beautifully cohesive topping that won’t make the cookie soggy. If you are looking for a more unique twist, consider mixing in a tablespoon of lemon zest for added brightness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious cookie bars:

For the Cookie Base

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

For the Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
1/2 cup mashed strawberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Make sure to have your ingredients ready for a seamless baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.

Spread the Dough

Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to create a smooth surface.

Make the Strawberry Topping

In a bowl, combine the diced strawberries with the mashed strawberries, cornstarch, and sugar. Mix until blended.

Layer the Strawberries

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the cookie dough, ensuring all corners are covered.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your delicious Spring Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in a little lemon zest to the cookie dough. It complements the strawberries wonderfully.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep the strawberry sugar cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, they can also be refrigerated for about a week, which will keep the flavors intact. If you're making them in advance, consider storing the cookie base and strawberry topping separately, then layer them just before serving to maintain the best texture.

For serving, these bars are perfect as a sweet treat at a picnic or a delightful dessert after dinner. I often like to dust the tops with powdered sugar for an elegant finish or serve with a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level, especially on warmer days.

Variations and Creative Twists

While strawberries are the highlight here, this recipe is versatile enough to allow for substitutions. You can swap in other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, which would add delightful variations in flavor. If you prefer a different topping, consider mixing in a layer of cream cheese frosting after cooling for a richer treat.

For a gluten-free option, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of traditional flour. When using gluten-free flour, ensure it has xanthan gum included, or add some separately to mimic the textures provided by gluten. Just keep an eye on baking times as they might vary slightly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time if needed.

→ What can I serve these bars with?

These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.