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 not just any cookies; they’re like a huggable version of those classic pastries we all adore. With a soft and buttery texture, these cookies are filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up on a busy weeknight or serving them at a family gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of baking together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: These cookies come together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying treats with your family.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the fun shapes and bright sprinkles! They’re bound to be a hit at any gathering or party.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for later. They stay delicious for days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie and fruity strawberry jam creates an irresistible bite that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

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 Topping

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

Variations

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Experiment with Flavors: Switch out the strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry preserves. Each fruit adds its own unique twist!
• Add Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor by adding some lemon or orange zest to the dough. It will give your cookies a fresh pop!
• Make Them Frosted: Instead of just sprinkles, drizzle some icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch.
• Try Different Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for holidays or celebrations to make your cookies even more festive!

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 step ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, ensuring that every cookie rises perfectly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

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

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract along with almond extract if using. These flavors will enhance the overall taste of your cookies!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a 2-inch disc and create a small well in the center. This is where you’ll add that delicious strawberry jam!

Step 7: Add Jam Filling

Fill half of your cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam in each well. Make sure not to overfill; we want these cookies to seal properly!

Step 8: Seal Your Cookies

Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc of dough. Seal the edges by pressing down gently with a fork for that charming crimped look!

Step 9: Bake ‘Em Up!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Optional Icing & Sprinkles

For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle some icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over cooled cookies before sprinkling them with colorful sprinkles.

Now you’ve got yourself a batch of delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family—or savoring every last bite yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, and a few handy tips can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to come to room temperature helps create a smoother dough, resulting in cookies that are soft and chewy.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing the dough just until combined ensures your cookies stay tender. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes will make it easier to handle. This also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Seal the edges well: Crimping the edges with a fork not only looks cute but also prevents the jam from leaking out during baking, keeping all that delicious filling inside.

• Experiment with fillings: While strawberry jam is delightful, feel free to try other flavors like raspberry or apricot for a fun twist on this classic cookie!

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon treat. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness.
• Drizzled icing: Create a simple icing with powdered sugar and milk for a glossy finish that complements the colorful sprinkles.
• Fresh strawberries: Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries on the side for a pop of color and extra fruity flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination that’ll please everyone.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal berries provides a light contrast to the richness of the cookies.
• Milk or almond milk: Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk or almond milk for dunking – it’s a classic combo that’s hard to resist!
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements these sweet treats beautifully, making them perfect for an afternoon break.

With these serving suggestions, your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies will be sure to impress! Enjoy every bite of this nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories while creating new ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring you always have a batch of sweet goodness on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you’d like to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between them, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your 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.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop up as you bake these delicious treats!

Can I use different flavors of jam for the Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot. The cookie base will complement any flavor beautifully.

What makes Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies so special?

These cookies capture the nostalgic essence of classic Pop Tarts while offering a soft, buttery texture filled with sweet strawberry jam. They make for a fun and delicious treat!

How do I get the best results with my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

To achieve perfect cookies, ensure your butter is softened properly before mixing and avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients.

Can I add more decorations to my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Definitely! Get creative with the toppings by adding icing designs or different types of sprinkles. You can even incorporate edible glitter for an extra festive touch!

Are Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! These cookies make wonderful gifts. Just package them in a decorative box or tin, and they’re sure to bring smiles to friends and family!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you love making these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They bring back fond memories while treating your taste buds to something extraordinary. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these delightful cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Enjoy every bite!