If you have a soft spot for sweet, fruity treats, then this Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It perfectly blends the tender, buttery essence of cookie bars with the juicy, bright burst of fresh blueberries, offering every bite as joyful as your favorite pie but way easier to handle. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a family gathering or a simple sweet to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these bars strike the perfect balance between luscious filling and a crisp, crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, yet each component plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From rich butter to zesty lemon, every item adds a special dimension to your Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the bars tender and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Offers a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor profile.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for the perfect dough texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and enhances the natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy foundation that holds everything together.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives just a touch of lift to the cookie dough.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and sharpens the flavors in the dough.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (3 cups): The star of the show, bursting with juicy, summery goodness.
- Granulated sugar for filling (½ cup): Sweetens the blueberry mixture, complementing its tartness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the filling into a luscious, sliceable layer.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and enhances the berries’ natural flavor.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Provides a refreshing citrus aroma that makes every bite pop.
- Vanilla extract for filling (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth to the blueberry filling.
How to Make Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and helps you lift out your bars with ease once they’re baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is delightfully fluffy. This step creates the tender crumb that makes these bars so addictive.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until your batter is smooth and glossy, creating a luscious base that’ll hold the dough together perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture until the dough comes together as a soft, cohesive ball. This gentle folding ensures your bars will have just the right texture.
Step 5: Reserve and Press Dough
Set aside about one cup of dough for the crumbly topping. Press the remainder evenly into your lined baking dish, forming the base layer. Pop it into the oven for a quick 10-minute pre-bake — this keeps the crust from getting soggy under the juicy filling.
Step 6: Cook the Blueberry Filling
While the crust is baking, combine your blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the mix thickens and the berries soften into a glossy, beautiful filling that smells like pure summer.
Step 7: Assemble the Bars
Spread that luscious blueberry filling evenly over your warm crust before crumbling the reserved dough on top. The contrast of the juicy fruit and crumbly topping creates an irresistible texture in every bite.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Return your pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch as the topping turns a lovely golden brown and the kitchen fills with that welcoming aroma you know is a treat in the making.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Patience is key now — let your bars cool completely so the filling can set up nicely. Once cooled, cut into squares, and get ready to indulge in this wonderful Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe.
How to Serve Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze elevate these bars beautifully without overpowering that fresh blueberry charm. A sprig of mint also adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve your bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence. A hot cup of tea or coffee pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness and warming you up.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into mini bite-sized squares for a party platter or layering them with whipped cream and fresh berries in clear glasses for a stunning parfait-style dessert. The versatility of this Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe makes it perfect for all occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and their texture just right without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe well ahead of time, wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy bars fresh out of the oven after freezing, thaw them at room temperature and warm gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This restores that wonderful fresh-baked texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking your filling to avoid a runny texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, ideally one that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will remain delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before using for best results.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crumb topping and bubbling filling edges. The bars should feel set in the center without wobbling when you gently shake the pan.
Can I substitute other fruits for the blueberries?
You bet! Raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped peaches make for fantastic variations. Just adjust the sugar slightly to balance sweetness based on your fruit’s natural tartness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe will soon become one of your all-time favorite go-to desserts. It offers everything you love about a summertime pie but in a wonderfully easy bar form that’s ready to impress family and friends. Don’t wait to mix up a batch and enjoy that perfect bite of buttery crust and juicy blueberry goodness—you’re going to love every moment of baking and eating these!
Print
Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars combine the delightful flavors of a classic blueberry pie with the convenience and texture of cookie bars. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious homemade blueberry filling, and a crumbly topping, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Ideal for serving 12, these bars are a fantastic dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Blueberry Filling
- 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, which will help create a tender crust and topping.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until the batter is well combined and smooth, providing moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Base Layer: Reserve 1 cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake this base layer in the oven for 10 minutes to set it partially.
- Make Blueberry Filling: While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by cooking the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes juicy and luscious. Stir in the vanilla extract once removed from heat.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the thickened blueberry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then crumble the reserved dough over the top to create a crumbly and textured topping.
- Bake Completely: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cool, slice into approximately 12 bars and serve.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen blueberries works well; if using frozen, do not thaw before cooking the filling.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best dough texture.
- Letting the bars cool completely helps the filling set, preventing runny slices.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
