Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Apricot Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra

Teresa’s Bake Shop – Christmas Cookie Extravaganza – 2013

Apricot Shortbread Bars are so fabulous! We delivered our Christmas cookies last week and already, these delicious bars have received all kinds of attention and praise! This dessert has a tasty shortbread crust, then they’re spread with apricot preserves. The topping is almost like a macaroon topping with lots of coconut. This recipe does have several steps, but the outcome is so amazing you will want to make these for sure!

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Back in the 1980s Willard Scott used to be a national well-known weatherman. He shared a family recipe (from his grandmother, I think) for Raspberry Squares that I clipped out and made right away. These bars were so scrumptious that over the years I’ve made them with several different jellies. Not just raspberry. I’ve also made them for our annual Christmas Cookie Extravaganza before. I had all these jars of apricot preserves that I wanted to clear out of my pantry. So I decided to use his wonderful recipe and substitute apricot preserves instead of raspberry. They turned out sensationally! This particular recipe is also good with strawberry, blackberry and blueberry jams, too.

This recipe for Apricot Shortbread Bars is a goldmine. Especially if you are near fruit orchards and put up several different types of jams or preserves every year. Even if you don’t make your own jellies, you can easily buy any kind of jelly you like, and use this basic recipe with them. Any flavor will work. I will tell you that I used mostly Blackburn preserves and they worked the best. Some of the cheaper jellies were too thick and didn’t spread as easily. Jellies actually spread a little easier. Another option is to melt the preserves a little if they seem too thick to spread over the crust layer.

If you’re looking for a great recipe to wow your company, clients, office staff, or family, then give Apricot Shortbread Bars a try this year. Then you will get all the kudos from family and friends we’ve received after making these bars this year.

I initially posted this recipe in December 2013. I was still new to food photography at the time so my pictures were less than what I hoped for. I recently remade this recipe (April 2020) and retook the pictures. I find Apricot Shortbread Bars so easy to whip up since I’ve made them lots of times. They still come out terrific each and every time. Enjoy.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Apricot Shortbread Bars are luscious and decadent.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

The original recipe uses a lot less jelly, but such a small amount is so hard to spread, so I increased the amount of jam in the recipe which makes these bars nice and gooey.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

These bars take a little bit of time to make, but they are so worth it! 

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

If you like fruit-filled cookies that are a little on the gooey side, you will love these delicious treats.

Here’s what I did.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

I used these ingredients.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Combine UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods), and baking powder.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Cut in cold butter with a pastry mixter..

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Coarse crumbs will form.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Add egg and half-and-half.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Stir ingredients to combine.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Spray 9×13″ glass baking dish with cooking spray. Press shortbread crust mixture into pan.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Spread the apricot jam over top of the shortbread layer.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

I used these ingredients to make the topping.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

To make topping: Place eggs in a mixing bowl and beat with a fork.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Stir in vanila, sugar and coconut.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Add melted butter,

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Stir ingredients to combine.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Dollop topping over top of the preserves covering the top as evenly as possible.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Allow bars to cool completely. Refrigerate at least an hour before cutting into bars.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Apricot Shortbread bars are perfect for backyard barbecues, tailgating parties or potlucks.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Don’t Apricot Shortbread Bars look marvelous?

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Here’s a close up so you can see the inner texture of these terrific cookies.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Apricot Shortbread Bars are great to take to holiday parties and share with friends.

Here’s the recipe.

APRICOT SHORTBREAD BARS

(Recipe adapted from my Raspberry Shortbread Bars)

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Apricot Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra
Apricot Shortbread Cookies are ooey, gooey, rich and decadent! These heavenly shortbread bars are made with apricot preserves and have a coconut macaroon-type topping. They're absolutely mouthwatering and so irresistible you won't be able to stop at just one! You can also substitute any kind of jam, jelly, or preserves for the filling, according to your desire. Marvelous for tailgating parties, potlucks or Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 156 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 fork

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, (1 stick)
  • 12 oz. jar apricot preserves

TOPPING:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups coconut

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Heat oven to 350.
  • Spray a 9x13” baking pan or dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add egg and half-and-half and stir to combine.
  • Spread mixture into bottom of prepared dish.
  • Spread apricot preserves on top of crust layer.

TOPPING:

  • Beat egg with fork in a small mixing bowl.
  • Stir in granulated sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut.
  • This is kind of like a macaroon layer.
  • Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

NOTE: I usually freeze the bars for an hour or two before cutting. I invert the whole pan on a large cutting board, turn over in one piece, and then cut into bars with a heavy-duty pizza cutter for straight edges.
 
 
NOTE: You can also use one to two tablespoons milk instead of the half-and-half.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 38mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 213IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apricot, brownie, coconut, cookie, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Apricot Shortbread Bars[/b]
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Willard Scott’s Raspberry Squares, printed in [i]Parade[/i] Magazine, circa 1980s
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Delicious, decadent shortbread bars made with apricot preserves and a coconut macaroon topping. Absolutely mouthwatering. You can also substitute any kind of jam, jelly, or preserves for the filling, according to your desire.
Ingredients
  • [b]CRUST:[/b][br]
  • 1 ½ cups Gold Medal UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 large egg, slightly beaten
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 12-oz. apricot preserves[br]
  • [b]TOPPING:[/b][br]
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 tbsp. butter, melted
  • 2 cups coconut
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350.
  2. Spray a 9×13” baking pan or dish with cooking spray. [br]
[b]CRUST:[/b][br]
  1. Mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Cut in blender with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add egg and milk and stir to combine.
  4. Spread mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
  5. I usually have to sprinkle a tablespoon or so of flour on top of the dough to pat it down into the pan to prevent the dough from sticking to my hands.
  6. Spread apricot preserves on top of crust layer to within ¼ to ½ inch of border. [br]
[b]TOPPING:[/b][br]
  1. Beat egg with fork.
  2. Stir in sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut. This is kind of like a macaroon layer.
  3. Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
  4. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
  5. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
I usually freeze the bars for an hour or two before cutting. I invert the whole pan on a large cutting board, turn over in one piece, and then cut into bars with a heavy-duty pizza cutter for straight edges.
Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Each bite of Apricot Shortbread Bars is mouthwatering as the gooey texture just melts in your mouth. 

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

If you and your family like apricots, you will love these delicious bars.

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Are you drooling yet?

Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

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Apricot Almond Bars

Apricot Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these #cookie bars are fantastic. #Apricot preserves are layered on a shortbread crust and sprinkled with #almonds. We love to make these for the #holidays. #dessert

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars

Apricot Coconut Pecan Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | exquisite and heavenly #dessert with a #coconut shorbread crust, #apricotpreserves, #pecans & streusel topping. #cookie #apricots

Apricot Thumbprint Cookies

Apricot Thumbprint Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these delicious #cookies are family favorites. Perfect for any #holiday, potluck, baby shower or other party. #apricot #dessert
Apricot Shortbread Bars | these luscious #cookies have a #shortbread crust, spread with #Apricot jelly & topped with a scrumptious #coconut topping. Terrific for #tailgating parties, potlucks or #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #dessert #ApricotDessert #HolidayDessert #ApricotShortbreadBars

Apricot Shortbread Bars

Teresa Ambra
Apricot Shortbread Cookies are ooey, gooey, rich and decadent! These heavenly shortbread bars are made with apricot preserves and have a coconut macaroon-type topping. They’re absolutely mouthwatering and so irresistible you won’t be able to stop at just one! You can also substitute any kind of jam, jelly, or preserves for the filling, according to your desire. Marvelous for tailgating parties, potlucks or Christmas Cookie Exchanges.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 156 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 pastry blender
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 fork

Ingredients
  

CRUST:

  • 1 1/2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 large egg slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, (1 stick)
  • 12 oz. jar apricot preserves

TOPPING:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups coconut

Instructions
 

CRUST:

  • Heat oven to 350.
  • Spray a 9×13” baking pan or dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix flour, baking powder in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add egg and half-and-half and stir to combine.
  • Spread mixture into bottom of prepared dish.
  • Spread apricot preserves on top of crust layer.

TOPPING:

  • Beat egg with fork in a small mixing bowl.
  • Stir in granulated sugar, vanilla, butter and coconut.
  • This is kind of like a macaroon layer.
  • Dollop topping over top of preserves covering surface entirely.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and preserves are set.
  • Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

NOTE: I usually freeze the bars for an hour or two before cutting. I invert the whole pan on a large cutting board, turn over in one piece, and then cut into bars with a heavy-duty pizza cutter for straight edges.
 
 
NOTE: You can also use one to two tablespoons milk instead of the half-and-half.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 38mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 213IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apricot, brownie, coconut, cookie, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

6 Comments

  • Julie MAY

    July 20, 2020 at 7:47 am

    Recipe looks fantastic, but all the popup advertisements ruin the experience when trying to see the photos. I’m trying to send viewers to your page, but …. wow. You don’t have to publish my comments if you don’t wish to, but I hope you do read them.

    1. Teresa

      July 20, 2020 at 11:59 am

      Hi, Julie. I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience. Are you on a computer or mobil device?

  • Sheri Collins

    November 14, 2019 at 7:19 pm

    Hi! I was wanting to make these but the recipe calls for 2 whole eggs yet there is a bowl shown with about a dozen of them??? Just wondering is the two eggs is correct?? These look soooooo good….so good!! Thanks.

    1. Teresa

      November 16, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      Hi, Sheri. Yes two eggs is correct. One for the bottom crust layer and one for the top layer. I was making about ten batches of this recipe for Christmas baking and that’s why the picture shows so many eggs. Enjoy.

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