Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Let me take you back to childhood, where the smell of buttery cookies baking in the oven filled the air like warm, comforting hugs. One rainy afternoon, my little kitchen turned into a haven of sweetness as I decided to experiment with a beloved classic—Strawberry Pop Tarts! I remembered the joyous crunch of the pastry paired with that delectably gooey strawberry filling, and inspiration struck: why not transform those vivid memories into delightful sugar cookies?

With each scoop of dough, I was greeted by the sweet scent of vanilla and butter, bringing back nostalgic flavors that danced upon my tongue. It was a cozy adventure of baking—mixing, rolling, and sprinkles galore. By the time the first batch was cooling on the countertop, I was ready to grab a warm cookie while the glaze drizzled down, catching a glimpse of memories just waiting to be relived. And that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this recipe with you! These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are sweet, playful, and so much fun to make—and I just know you’re going to love them as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavors: These cookies capture the beloved taste of Strawberry Pop Tarts, making them a delightful treat for adults and children alike.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
• Quick Baking Time: In just 10–12 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas, and you’ll have fresh cookies ready to devour!
• Customizable: You can switch up the flavors, use different jams, or change the sprinkles to suit any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether for a gathering or just because, these cookies are sure to warm hearts and bring smiles.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour — The foundation of our cookies! Make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measuring.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda — Adds a touch of lift and helps achieve that soft and chewy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — Just a pinch balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened — This creates a creamy base and provides that rich buttery flavor we crave. Leave it out for about an hour for the perfect softness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar — Sweetness is key! It not only adds flavor but also contributes to that lovely texture.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed — The molasses in brown sugar brings richness and moisture for a chewy cookie.
• 1 large egg — Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — The secret ingredient that lifts the flavors to a whole new level of yummy.
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam — This is the heart of our cookies! Feel free to use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) — For that sweet finish! It makes everything look oh-so-inviting.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) — Just enough to achieve that perfect drizzle consistency.
• Sprinkles (for topping) — Because who can resist a little extra sparkle?

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating at 350°F (175°C). This allows the cookies to bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze!

2. Mix your dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The aroma of flour mixed with a hint of salt is quite satisfying, isn’t it? Set that aside for the next step.

3. Cream the butters and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Whip that until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen will smell divine!

4. Add egg and vanilla

Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The sweetness of vanilla wafting through the air is a sure sign you’re on the right track!

5. Combine dry and wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your lovely buttery mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overdo it! We want to keep that softness.

6. Form the cookies

Scoop out the dough and form it into small circles. Press them down slightly and place a small dollop of 1/2 cup of strawberry jam in the center of half the circles. This is where the magic happens!

7. Seal the cookies

Top with the remaining circles of dough and gently seal the edges with a fork. This will give them that adorable Pop Tart crust look!

8. Bake

Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as that warm, sweet aroma will become too tempting to resist!

9. Cool and glaze

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Meanwhile, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk to create a lovely glaze.

10. Drizzle and enjoy!

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and top with fun sprinkles. Now, take a moment to appreciate your handiwork before diving in for that first bite!

Pro Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is softened for easy blending and that perfect texture.
• Chill your dough for about 30 minutes if you like thicker cookies!
• Keep an eye on the baking time, as every oven can vary; golden edges are the target!
• If you want to make them festive, switch up the sprinkles for different holidays.

Flavor Variations

• Jam Swaps: Feeling adventurous? Try other fruit jams like raspberry or apricot for a delightful twist!
• Chocolate addition: Mix in chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberry.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re craving warm spice notes.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a steaming cup of chamomile tea. Arrange them on a pretty plate with a colorful napkin, or stack them neatly in a jar for a lovely homemade gift that’s sure to be cherished.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can make the dough ahead of time; just wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Once baked, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—though I suspect they won’t last that long!

Leftovers

If you have any cookies left (a rare occurrence!), crush them up and sprinkle over ice cream for a delightful sundae topping or mix into a dessert parfait for some added sweetness.

Freezing

Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you like them warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. You’ll love that melted goodness once again!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. I recommend a 50/50 mix for balance.

Can I leave out the jam?
You can, but you’ll be missing that signature Pop Tart flavor! You could substitute it with chocolate or caramel if you like.

Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts would be a delicious addition for some crunch.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Not at all! They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

As we come together through the joy of baking, I hope these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies bring a sprinkle of happiness to your kitchen and a smile to your face. Remember, cooking isn’t just about the destination but also the delightful journey of creating something beautiful. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let the warm aromas fill your cozy kitchen. Enjoy each moment, and don’t forget to share the joy—because nothing warms the heart like a batch of homemade cookies! Happy baking, my friends!

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Let’s bake some unforgettable memories together with this recipe! Full recipe card is below.