Name: Blueberry Pie Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 grams) light brown sugar, packed; ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (for blueberry filling); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind whenever I encounter a blueberry pie cookie bars recipe that promises pure comfort.

Summer’s bounty bursts with ripe, juicy berries waiting to be transformed into delectable treats.

Crisp, buttery edges meet soft, jammy centers in these irresistible squares that blend classic pie charm with convenient bar form.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Crumbly shortbread-like bases mingle with intense blueberry flavor, creating a harmonious bite that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Warm ovens and patient baking will reward you with a dessert that disappears faster than you can slice it.

Prepare to fall in love with every single crumb of this magical fusion.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Cream these ingredients together until they become light and airy with a smooth, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Incorporate into the sugar mixture:

Egg
Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until the batter looks silky and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 6: Set Aside Crumble Portion

Remove a portion of the dough for creating a crumbly topping later. Set this aside in a small bowl.

Step 7: Build the Crust

Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, consistent base layer.

Step 8: Initial Bake

Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 9: Prepare Blueberry Filling

In another bowl, mix:

Fresh blueberries
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Lemon juice

Stir until blueberries are well coated.

Step 10: Layer the Filling

Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.

Step 11: Add Crumble Topping

Crumble the reserved dough over the blueberry layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping.

Step 12: Final Bake

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling bubbles.

Step 13: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out, then slice into squares.

Chill Dough Perfectly: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent sticking and create a more stable crust.
Boost Blueberry Flavor: Toss fresh blueberries with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking and maintain even distribution throughout the bars.
Create Crumbly Topping: Use cold butter when making the crumble to ensure a light, crispy texture that breaks apart beautifully.
Customize Dietary Needs: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
Prevent Soggy Bottom: Allow the crust to cool completely before adding blueberry filling to maintain a crisp, golden base that won't get mushy.

Store cooled blueberry pie cookie bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Package bars in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Alternatively, warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Perfect Companions
Complement the buttery, fruity cookie bars with a chilled glass of Moscato or Riesling, whose light sweetness matches the blueberry's delicate flavor profile.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that enhances the bar's richness.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the dessert's overall taste and add a refreshing citrus note.
Transform these bars into a morning treat by pairing with a creamy cappuccino or smooth cold brew coffee, balancing the sweetness with robust caffeine notes.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based vanilla extract to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated and brown sugar quantities, substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fresh blueberries to maintain natural sweetness while cutting refined sugar content.
Nutty Crunch Variation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the crumble topping for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the blueberry base.

Combine the best of a cookie and pie in one irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert nights.
Create a delicious dessert with common pantry staples, eliminating the need for complex shopping or specialized baking tools, which saves time and reduces stress in the kitchen.
Enjoy a delightful contrast between the soft, buttery cookie base and the crumbly topping, complemented by the burst of fresh blueberry flavor that adds excitement to every bite.

Base Ingredients:

Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet foundation for a rich, tender cookie base with caramel-like depth.
Egg, Vanilla Extract: Binding agents that add moisture and classic bakery flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Structural components that create a soft, tender cookie texture with balanced seasoning.

Fruit Topping:

Blueberries: Fresh or frozen fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the bars.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken fruit filling and prevent excess moisture.
Lemon Juice: Brightens fruit flavor and helps balance sweetness.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding to the recipe to prevent excess moisture.

How do I know if the crust is baked correctly?

The crust should look lightly golden around the edges and feel set when touched. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake.

What type of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is perfect for these cookie bars. It provides the right structure and texture for the base and crumble topping.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.