Get ready to unlock the ultimate sweet sensation that combines the comforting texture of a cookie with the burst of fruity goodness! These Fruit Filled Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a delectable experience that bridges the gap between a classic cookie and a luscious fruit pastry.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit preserves (your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Divide the dough in half. Press one half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a base layer.
- Spread the fruit preserves evenly over the dough base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Take the remaining half of the dough and crumble it over the fruit preserves. This will create a topping for the bars. Ensure that some of the fruit preserves are still visible for a nice presentation.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares or bars. Serve and enjoy your delicious fruit-filled cookie bars!
Tips
- Choose high-quality fruit preserves for the most vibrant flavor - consider using homemade or artisan preserves for an extra special touch.
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough, dense bars instead of tender, crumbly ones.
- For a more decorative look, use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on the top layer of crumbled dough.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or mixed berry to keep the recipe exciting!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 285kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 62mg
