Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories while still being a hit with the whole family, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. These cookies are not only irresistibly soft and buttery but also filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with colorful sprinkles. They capture that nostalgic taste of classic Pop Tarts, but in a cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering.

I love making these cookies because they are so easy to whip up and always leave everyone smiling. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to brighten up lunchboxes or to share at school events. Let’s dive into why this recipe is going to become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love the sprinkles and jam filling—making baking together a joyful experience!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.
• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of strawberry jam with buttery sugar cookies creates an irresistible treat for all ages.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the flavors or add your favorite toppings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients makes baking even more enjoyable! For these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies, you will need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Filling and Decoration

• ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Change the Jam: Swap out strawberry jam for any other fruit preserve like raspberry or blueberry for new flavors.
• Add Citrus Zest: Mix in some lemon or orange zest for an extra zing that brightens up the flavor.
• Experiment with Extracts: Try different extracts like coconut or lemon instead of almond for unique tastes.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside allows them to blend well when combined with the wet ingredients later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in both vanilla and almond extracts. This adds flavor depth that makes your cookies truly stand out.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep those cookies soft!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Then flatten it into a 2-inch disc while creating a small well in the center. This little well will hold all that delicious strawberry jam.

Step 7: Fill with Jam

Fill half of your cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam in that well you created earlier. The jam oozes out as they bake, creating that yummy filling we all love!

Step 8: Seal It Up

Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc of dough. Make sure you seal the edges by crimping them with a fork; this keeps all that tasty filling secure inside.

Step 9: Bake!

Place your cookies in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until their edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Decorate (Optional)

If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over your cooled cookies. Then sprinkle on those colorful decorations—it’s all about making them look as good as they taste!

And there you have it—delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies that are sure to be loved by everyone who tries them! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter blend more easily with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy cookie texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies; you want that tender bite that melts in your mouth!

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Chilling helps maintain shape during baking.

• Experiment with jam flavors: While strawberry jam is classic, trying raspberry or mixed berry preserves can add an exciting twist to your cookies!

• Add a pinch of salt to icing: If you choose to drizzle icing over your cookies, a pinch of salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are not just delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Fresh strawberries: Place a couple of sliced fresh strawberries next to your cookies for a vibrant color contrast and added fruity flavor.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on the plate adds a touch of elegance and freshness, making your dessert display look appetizing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors of the cookies and provides a delightful contrast.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while adding bright colors to your table.

• Milk or plant-based milk: Serving these cookies with a glass of milk (or almond milk) is nostalgic and complements the sugary delight perfectly.

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can be a comforting accompaniment that enhances the snack experience, perfect for afternoon treats!

Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies at your next gathering or as a sweet treat any day of the week!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time or store leftovers for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them where they’ll last for about a week.

Freezing

• Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy these cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer that method.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies.

Can I use any type of jam for Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam gives these cookies their signature flavor, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like raspberry or blueberry.

How do I make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Follow the same recipe instructions!

What makes Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies unique?

These cookies combine the classic taste of Pop Tarts with a soft and buttery sugar cookie texture, offering a delightful twist on a nostalgic treat.

Can I decorate my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies differently?

Of course! Get creative with your decorations. Use different colored icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to personalize each cookie.

How long do Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature and even longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! They not only capture the essence of those childhood treats but also add a fun twist that everyone will love. Whether it’s for dessert, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something sweet, I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family!