Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are just the thing! They capture the essence of those classic breakfast pastries in a soft, buttery cookie form. Each bite is filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just need a fun dessert for a busy weeknight, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because not only is it simple to make, but it also invites creativity. You can adjust flavors, add your favorite toppings, or even try different jams to suit your taste. I can’t wait for you to give them a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and enjoy eating them just as much!
• Versatile: You can easily customize the flavors by swapping out the jam or sprinkles.
• Perfect for parties: Their colorful appearance makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
• Make ahead: Bake them in advance and store for later or freeze for an easy treat anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies:

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)
• ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves

For Decoration

• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Swap the jam: Instead of strawberry, try raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor experience.
• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Change up the sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for holidays or celebrations to match your occasion perfectly.
• Create sandwich cookies: Make larger discs and fill them with cream cheese frosting instead of jam for a rich treat.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While it heats up, line some baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.

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 creates air pockets that will help your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts

Add in 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 will enhance the sweetness of your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Form Cookie Discs

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 will hold your delicious strawberry jam.

Step 7: Fill with Jam

Take half of your cookie discs and fill each well with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam. Don’t overfill; we want nice sealed edges!

Step 8: Top Off Cookies

Place another disc on top of each jam-filled base. Seal them by crimping the edges with a fork. This step is essential as it keeps all that yummy filling from leaking out during baking.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Once done, let them cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 10: Optional Icing

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some handy tips to ensure your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and room temperature eggs helps create a smooth batter, leading to a fluffier cookie texture.
• Chill the dough if necessary: If the dough feels too sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and results in cookies that hold their shape better during baking.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Experiment with jam flavors: While strawberry jam is delicious, feel free to try other flavors like raspberry or blueberry for a fun twist on this recipe. Each variation brings its own unique taste!
• Make them ahead of time: These cookies store well! Bake a batch and keep them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting treats.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Presenting your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies in an inviting way can make them even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Icing drizzle: A simple icing made from powdered sugar and almond milk adds an extra touch of sweetness and sophistication.
• Fresh strawberries: Add sliced fresh strawberries on the side for a pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs fabulously with these cookies, offering a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Milk or nut milk: Serve alongside a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite nut milk. It’s a classic combination that never fails!
• Coffee or tea: For adults (or those who enjoy caffeine), pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the overall experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies will not only be delicious but also beautifully presented—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying at home! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are not only a delicious treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful treats!

Can I use other types of jam in the Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.

How do I ensure my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies turn out soft?

Make sure not to overbake them; they should be lightly golden at the edges. Also, letting them cool on the baking sheet helps retain moisture.

What’s the best way to decorate my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

You can drizzle icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies before adding colorful sprinkles for that classic Pop Tart look!

Can I make these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They embody nostalgia while being incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!