Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back memories of childhood, you’ll absolutely love these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. These cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with sweet strawberry jam—just like the classic Pop Tart, but in cookie form! They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something quick and tasty or for family gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can enjoy baking these delicious cookies. Plus, they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation: You can have these cookies ready in about 30 minutes!
• Family-friendly treat: Everyone loves a sweet cookie filled with jam—perfect for sharing!
• Make-ahead convenience: These cookies store well, so you can bake them in advance for special occasions.
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite sprinkles or icing to make them extra fun!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of buttery cookie and strawberry jam is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need to gather:

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 Decoration

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Change the filling: Swap out strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
• Add citrus zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing flavor boost.
• Make them chocolatey: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
• Go nutty: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. Also, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Beat the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a soft texture in your cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Now it’s time to add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in both vanilla and almond extracts. The extracts not only enhance flavor but also add depth to your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Then flatten each ball into a 2-inch disc and create a small well in the center. This well is where all that delicious 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. Don’t be shy—this filling adds all that yummy flavor!

Step 8: Complete Your Cookies

Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc of dough. Seal them by crimping the edges with a fork; this not only seals in that tasty jam but also adds a nice decorative touch.

Step 9: Bake Them Up!

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Optional Icing

If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over your cooled cookies and decorate them with colorful sprinkles. This step adds an extra touch of sweetness!

And there you have it! A batch of delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies that will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies will be even more delicious!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to a better texture in your cookies.

• Chill the dough if needed: If you find that your dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined ensures that your cookies are tender instead of tough. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to dense cookies.

• Experiment with fillings: While strawberry jam is delightful, feel free to try other flavors like raspberry or blueberry preserves. It’s a fun way to switch things up!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they start to soften, pop them in the fridge for a few hours.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

These charming cookies can be presented in various ways that make them not only tasty but visually appealing too! Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Drizzle of icing: Create a simple icing using powdered sugar and milk. A light drizzle adds sweetness and gives your cookies a beautiful finish.
• Colorful sprinkles: Sprinkle some vibrant sprinkles on top of the icing for a festive touch. It adds color and makes them perfect for any celebration!

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring strawberries, blueberries, and bananas complements the sweetness of the cookies while adding a healthy option.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
• Milk: Classic cold milk is always a great pairing with cookies! It balances out the sweetness and provides a comforting drink alongside your treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies to their fullest! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat any time. Here’s how to store or freeze them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For longer freshness, you may refrigerate them in the same container.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw cookies in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore softness.
• Alternatively, use the microwave for 10-15 seconds; be cautious not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies.

Can I make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

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

To keep your cookies soft, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are just lightly golden around the edges. Storing them in an airtight container also helps maintain their softness.

What kind of jam works best for these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

While strawberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry or blueberry for a fun twist!

Can I use margarine instead of butter in Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute margarine for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just delicious; they bring back those sweet childhood memories in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to delight everyone around you. Happy baking!