Get ready to experience the perfect harmony of sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon with our irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Bars. These delightful treats offer all the comforting flavors of a classic pop tart, transformed into a delectable cookie bar form. With a buttery cookie base, a gooey cinnamon sugar filling, and a luscious cinnamon glaze, these bars are sure to become a new favorite for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cookie Bar Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, very soft
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour until well combined. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Make the Cookie Bar Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the very soft unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until smooth. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Assemble the Bars: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough.
- Add the Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining cookie dough evenly over the cinnamon sugar filling, covering it as much as possible.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream until smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Glaze the Bars: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the cooled bars in the baking dish.
- Slice and Serve: Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is very soft for the cookie bar base to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Room Temperature Egg: Using a room temperature egg helps it incorporate more evenly into the dough.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the cinnamon glaze to achieve your desired drizzling consistency.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: You can use salted butter, but you may want to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the bars.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the cinnamon glaze? A: Heavy cream provides a richer texture and flavor to the glaze, but you can use milk as a substitute. Just note that the glaze may be slightly thinner.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, you can freeze these bars (unglazed) for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Satisfy your cravings for the classic flavors of pop tarts with our Brown Sugar Pop Tart Bars. With their buttery cookie base, gooey cinnamon sugar filling, and decadent cinnamon glaze, these bars are sure to delight your taste buds with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, these bars are a delicious way to indulge in a childhood favorite revamped for a new generation. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade goodness with these irresistible bars!