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Strawberry Frosted Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Strawberry Frosted Cookie Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery, soft cookie base studded with fresh and freeze-dried strawberries, white chocolate chips, and topped with a luscious strawberry frosting. Perfectly balanced sweetness with fruity bursts and a creamy finish make this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Cookie Bars

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/3 cup diced fresh strawberries, patted dry (optional)
  • 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberry pieces (optional)

Strawberry Frosting - Option 1 (Tub Frosting)

  • 1 tub (16 oz) strawberry frosting
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional)
  • Pink gel food coloring (optional)

Strawberry Frosting - Option 2 (Homemade Frosting)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder

Instructions

  1. Prep. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Cookie Bars Batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients. Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated—avoid overmixing for tender bars.
  4. Add Optional Mix-ins. Gently fold in white chocolate chips, diced fresh strawberries, or freeze-dried strawberry pieces if using, to add bursts of flavor and texture.
  5. Spread and Bake. Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks glossy but is not jiggly.
  6. Cool. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before moving on to frosting.
  7. Make the Strawberry Frosting - Option 1 (Tub Frosting). Stir the store-bought strawberry frosting until fluffy. If desired, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder for extra flavor and a touch of pink gel food coloring to intensify the color.
  8. Make the Strawberry Frosting - Option 2 (Homemade). Beat softened butter in a bowl with a hand or stand mixer until creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, heavy cream (or milk), and salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Fold in 8 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder for natural strawberry flavor and color. Reserve about 2 to 3 tablespoons and tint slightly darker to use for decorative swirls.
  9. Frost and Swirl. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookie bars. Drop small streaks of the reserved darker-tinted frosting on top. Using a spatula, gently drag through the frosting to create swoops and artistic swirls.
  10. Chill and Slice. Place the frosted bars in the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 30 minutes to set the frosting and allow for clean cutting. Slice into 9 to 12 bars and serve.

Notes

  • Optional additions in the cookie batter such as white chocolate chips, fresh strawberries, or freeze-dried strawberries add texture and enhanced flavor.
  • Choose between store-bought frosting with added strawberry powder for convenience or homemade frosting for a fresh, customized flavor.
  • Make sure bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
  • Refrigeration after frosting helps set the bars for neat slicing.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days for best freshness.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/strawberry-frosted-cookie-bars-recipe/