Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, you’ve come to the right place! Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are my absolute favorite when it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth. These cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet strawberry jam, all topped with colorful sprinkles. They make the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even just a cozy evening at home.

What I love most about these cookies is how they mimic the nostalgic taste of classic Pop Tarts while being easy to whip up at home. They’re a fun project to do with kids or friends, and each bite is a little taste of happiness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can bake these cookies in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore their fun appearance and delicious flavor.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a treat after dinner, these cookies fit right in.
• Make ahead: Bake them in advance and store them for later enjoyment—they stay fresh for days!
• Customizable fun: Get creative with the sprinkles and jam flavors for unique variations every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that the ingredients for these delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are simple and wholesome. Gather the following items from your kitchen:

For the Cookies:

• 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 Topping:

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

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it can be! If you want to switch things up a bit, here are some fun ideas:

• Try different jams: Swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry preserves for a new twist.
• Add some zest: Incorporate a bit of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Mix in chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra sweet surprise inside.
• Experiment with extracts: Use coconut or peppermint extract instead of almond for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and prevents sticking—no one likes a cookie disaster!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step combines all your dry ingredients evenly and helps create light fluffy cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture which gives your cookies that delightful texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Extracts

Add in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. The extracts add depth to your cookie’s flavor!

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those cookies to be soft and tender!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball into a 2-inch disc and create a small well in the center. This well is where all that luscious strawberry jam will go!

Step 7: Fill with Jam

Fill half of your cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam in each well. It’s like giving them their own little surprise!

Step 8: Seal & Crimp

Top each jam-filled disc with another disc of dough. Seal them tightly by crimping the edges with a fork—this helps keep all that sweet goodness inside while they bake.

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—it helps them set perfectly!

Step 10: Optional Decorations

For an extra special touch, drizzle icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over cooled cookies and decorate them with colorful sprinkles.

And there you have it! A batch of delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies ready to brighten up any day. Enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends—or maybe keep them all to yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Baking can be a joyful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to elevate your cookie game!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures a smoother batter and better texture in the final cookies.
• Don’t skip the chilling: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilled dough helps maintain shape while baking and prevents spreading.
• Seal the edges well: Crimping the edges of your cookie sandwiches not only keeps the jam from oozing out but also adds a charming decorative touch!
• Experiment with flavors: While strawberry jam is delicious, feel free to try other flavors like raspberry or apricot for a fun twist that suits your taste buds.
• Make ahead and freeze: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance, shape it into discs, and freeze them. Just bake directly from frozen—perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings!

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are not just tasty—they’re also visually appealing! Present them on a beautiful platter or in a glass jar for an eye-catching display that invites everyone to indulge.

Garnishes

• Icing drizzle: A simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk adds sweetness and creates an elegant finish.
• Fresh strawberries: Placing a few fresh strawberries next to your cookies enhances the presentation and adds a fresh burst of flavor.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of mint not only looks vibrant alongside your cookies but also provides a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, soft cookies, making each bite heavenly.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal berries can bring brightness and freshness to your dessert spread, balancing out the sweetness.
• Milk: A classic pairing! Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for that nostalgic childhood vibe.
• Coffee or tea: For adults, offering coffee or herbal tea alongside these sweet treats creates an inviting atmosphere for an afternoon snack or dessert gathering.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for a delicious treat whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For best results, separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• To freeze baked cookies, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating

• For frozen baked cookies, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• To enjoy warm cookies straight from the oven, bake frozen dough balls at 350°F (175°C) for an extra 2-3 minutes longer than the original baking time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies:

Can I use other flavors of jam?

Absolutely! While this recipe features strawberry jam, feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit preserves like raspberry or blueberry.

How do I make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

To make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies, follow the detailed recipe provided above, which includes steps for mixing ingredients, shaping the cookies, filling them with jam, and baking!

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

You can drizzle icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies and sprinkle colorful decorations on top for that classic Pop Tart look!

How long do Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature. They also freeze well!

Can I substitute butter with margarine?

Yes! You can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe if you prefer. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! They bring back fond memories of childhood treats while offering a fresh twist that’s fun to bake. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging yourself, they’re sure to bring joy and sweetness to your day. Happy baking!