How do you make strawberry cookie bars from scratch?

To make strawberry cookie bars from scratch, start by preparing the cookie dough with ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Spread the dough evenly in a greased baking pan. Next, prepare a fresh strawberry topping by combining chopped strawberries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken. Pour this mixture over the cookie base and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and set. Allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry cookie bars?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries when making strawberry cookie bars. It's best to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy. Toss the thawed strawberries with sugar and cornstarch before adding them to the cookie base. This helps maintain a good consistency and ensures your bars hold together properly when baked.

How should I store strawberry cookie bars to keep them fresh?

Store strawberry cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to store them even longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature before serving to restore their soft texture.

Are strawberry cookie bars gluten-free or can they be made gluten-free?

Strawberry cookie bars are typically made with all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to choose a blend with xanthan gum or add it separately to help the cookie bars hold together. This allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the dessert without compromising texture.

Can strawberry cookie bars be made vegan?

Yes, you can make vegan strawberry cookie bars by swapping out animal-derived ingredients. Use plant-based butter or margarine instead of dairy butter, and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed egg substitutes (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). For the topping, use fresh strawberries as usual. These substitutions will help create delicious vegan-friendly bars without sacrificing flavor.

Strawberry Cookie Bars Recipe With Easy Crumble Topping

Name: Strawberry Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg yolk at room temperature

Description

🍓 Strawberry Bars are a delicious way to enjoy fresh strawberries combined with a buttery crumb topping for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
🥧 This easy recipe offers a delightful treat that’s ideal for gatherings, snacks, or dessert, with a shortbread crust that adds a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg yolk at room temperature

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt for the crust; this dry mix forms the base of your strawberry cookie bars.

2-Second Step: Add the cold unsalted butter and egg yolk to the dry ingredients, mixing until you get a crumbly dough. For the fresh strawberry filling, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in another bowl to create that sweet and tangy mixture.

3-Third Step: Press about half of the dough into the prepared pan to form the crust. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining dough on-top for the crumb topping.

4-Fourth Step: Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries if needed, though in this recipe, they’re already part of the filling.

5-Fifth Step: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6-Sixth Step: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. These strawberry cookie bars can be served immediately or stored for later use, adding a burst of summer flavors to your day.

Notes

🍰 Press the crust firmly to ensure it holds together after baking.
🍓 Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
❄️ Let the bars cool fully before cutting to avoid messy slices and help the filling set.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 70 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: Strawberry bars, Crumble topping bars, Fresh strawberry dessert, Easy strawberry recipe