Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars

Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars combine the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of a classic blueberry pie and the soft, chewy texture of a cookie bar. With a buttery shortbread-style crust, a juicy blueberry filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed as a grab-and-go treat, they’re a delicious way to enjoy fresh (or frozen) blueberries!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easier Than Pie – No need to roll out dough—these bars come together quickly!
• Bursting with Blueberries – A sweet and tangy filling made with fresh or frozen berries.
• Perfectly Buttery Crust – A soft, cookie-like base that holds up well.
• Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a simple homemade dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well for days and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust & Topping:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Blueberry Filling:

• Fresh or frozen blueberries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Directions

Making the Crust & Topping:

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Press into Pan – Reserve about 1 cup of the dough for the topping, and press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Making the Blueberry Filling:

1. Prepare Blueberries – In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook Until Thickened – Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes, until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assembling & Baking:

1. Spread the Filling – Pour the blueberry mixture evenly over the cookie crust.
2. Add the Crumb Topping – Crumble the reserved dough over the blueberry layer.
3. Bake – Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
4. Cool and Serve – Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 9-12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Mixed Berry Bars – Use a combination of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
• Cinnamon Streusel – Add a pinch of cinnamon to the topping for extra warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Almond Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty depth.
• Oatmeal Crumble – Mix in ½ cup of rolled oats into the reserved topping for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for extended freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze bars for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds or enjoy chilled.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! No need to thaw—just cook them a little longer in the saucepan.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure the blueberry filling thickens before adding it to the crust.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Do I need to refrigerate these bars?

If storing for more than two days, refrigeration is best.

Can I use a store-bought pie filling?

Yes, but homemade filling has a fresher, less processed taste.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly.

How do I make them extra crunchy on top?

Chill the crumble topping before baking for a crispier texture.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes! Chopped almonds or pecans add great crunch.

Are these bars best served warm or cold?

Both ways are delicious, but they firm up more when cooled.

Conclusion

Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic pie, offering a perfect balance of buttery crust, juicy blueberry filling, and a crumbly topping. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy a sweet, fruity treat in every bite!

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