Irresistible Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe
There’s something so delightful about cookies that remind us of our childhood, and Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are a perfect example. These soft, buttery treats filled with sweet strawberry jam take the nostalgic flavor of a classic Pop Tart and transform it into a cookie experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, packing a lunchbox treat, or just indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your day.
What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to whip up a batch. The combination of simple ingredients creates a deliciously sweet cookie that everyone will love. Plus, the colorful sprinkles add that fun touch that makes these cookies perfect for celebrations or just a little pick-me-up on any day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Perfect balance of flavors: The buttery cookie combined with sweet strawberry jam creates an irresistible taste.
– Fun for all ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these playful cookies, making them great for family gatherings.
– Quick to make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh cookies ready in no time!
– Customizable: Add your own twist with different flavors of jam or icing options.
– Beautiful presentation: The colorful sprinkles make these cookies visually appealing for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll 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
One of the best things about baking is experimenting! Here are some fun ideas to switch up your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies:
– Swap the jam: Use raspberry or blueberry jam instead of strawberry for a different fruity flavor.
– Add zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
– Change the sprinkles: Experiment with themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
– Make them sandwich cookies: Instead of sealing them, leave some open-faced and spread icing on top before adding sprinkles.
How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin 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 to the pan.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, ensuring that your cookies rise 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 creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful softness.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in both vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. These flavors enhance the overall deliciousness of your cookie dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Form Cookie Discs
Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a disc about two inches wide and create a small well in the center. This well will hold your delicious strawberry jam!
Step 7: Fill with Strawberry Jam
For half of your cookie discs, fill each well with about one teaspoon of strawberry jam. This adds that lovely fruity center which mimics the filling of traditional Pop Tarts.
Step 8: Seal Your Cookies
Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc of dough. Gently seal them by crimping the edges with a fork—this not only helps keep the filling inside but also gives them a charming look!
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Place your prepared cookie trays in the preheated oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary!
Step 10: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you like, drizzle some icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over them once cooled and sprinkle on colorful decorations.
And there you have it! A batch of delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies ready to share (or enjoy all by yourself). Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
Baking can be a delightful experience, especially with these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips to guide you along the way.
– Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother dough.
– Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
– Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape and prevents spreading while baking.
– Experiment with jam flavors: While strawberry jam is delicious, feel free to try other flavors like raspberry or blueberry for a fun twist.
– Store leftover cookies properly: Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness.
How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
These cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing! When serving them, consider how you want to present this delightful treat for friends and family.
Garnishes
– Drizzle icing: A simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk can elevate these cookies even further.
– Fresh strawberries: Adding a few fresh strawberries on the side can enhance presentation and flavor.
– Extra sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful toppings can make your cookies pop visually.
Side Dishes
– Milk: A classic pairing that brings out the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
– Whipped cream: Serve alongside whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
– Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream complements the cookie’s flavors wonderfully.
– Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad adds a refreshing balance to the dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies can save time for busy days ahead. Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy them later.
Storing Leftovers
– Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
– If you have multiple layers of cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
– Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing them.
– Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating
– To enjoy warm cookies again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
If you have questions about making these delicious treats, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking as some blends may require additional adjustments.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges. The center may appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out strawberry jam with your favorite flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even mixed berry preserves.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when shaping.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am about making these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Remember, baking is all about creating joy—so gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two if you’d like, and have fun in the kitchen! Happy baking!
Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in both vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
- Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a disc about two inches wide and create a small well in the center.
- For half of your cookie discs, fill each well with about one teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc of dough and gently seal them by crimping the edges with a fork.
- Place your prepared cookie trays in the preheated oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Once baked, let your cookies cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
