Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fun and irresistibly delicious treat, you’ve got to try these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. Imagine the nostalgic joy of a classic pop tart, now transformed into soft, buttery sugar cookies filled with luscious strawberry jam and topped with a playful sprinkle of colorful decoration. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and buttery goodness, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive celebration. Trust me, these cookies will soon become one of your all-time favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential, creating the irresistible texture, flavor, and vibrant color that make the Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies so special. Each component plays its part perfectly, from the creamy butter to the tangy strawberry filling.

• All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The sturdy base that keeps your cookies tender yet firm enough to hold the jam.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right without spreading too thin.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle lift for a soft, airy bite.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances out the dough perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the dough its rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides classic sweetness and helps with that slight crisp edge.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Adds delicate sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, inviting aroma and depth to the flavor.
• Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): A lovely subtle twist that complements the strawberry jam beautifully.
• Strawberry jam or preserves (¾ cup): The star of the show, bursting with fruity sweetness in every bite.
• Sprinkles: Because a little extra color and fun on top never hurts!

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, giving you a smooth, hassle-free baking experience.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly is crucial so your cookies bake with consistent texture and perfect rise every time. Set this blend aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Now comes the fun part: in a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugars until light and fluffy. This step traps air, making your cookies tender and slightly crumbly. Then add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition to combine everything smoothly, followed by the vanilla and optional almond extract for that extra flavor dimension.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Be gentle here! Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, and we want soft sugar cookies that practically melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Press it gently into a 2-inch disc, then create a small well in the center of half the discs using your finger or the back of a spoon. This little pocket is where the luscious strawberry jam will live!

Step 6: Top and Seal the Cookies

Take the remaining cookie discs and gently place them over the ones filled with jam. Press the edges together carefully to seal in the sweetness without letting the jam spill out during baking. For that charming pop tart vibe, crimp the edges with a fork—it’s a small touch that makes a big impression!

Step 7: Bake

Pop your cookies into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden hue. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time lets the cookies firm up and the jam set perfectly.

Step 8: Decorate with Pinks and Sprinkles

When your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are completely cool, drizzle them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk to add a delightful glossy finish. Top with your favorite sprinkles for that fun, festive pop—because every bite should look as joyful as it tastes!

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Adding a garnish is a wonderful way to amp up the presentation. Fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar make a lovely, natural touch. You can also get creative with colored icing or edible glitter to suit the occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or a cold glass of milk for an unbeatable snack combo. You could also serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper for parties, or box them up individually with a ribbon as charming homemade gifts. For a playful twist, serve them with mini jars of strawberry jam so guests can add extra sweetness if they like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, the dough can be frozen for up to three months. Just shape and seal each cookie before freezing, or store baked cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. They’ll come out refreshed and perfectly cozy, as if you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use different jams instead of strawberry for these cookies?

Absolutely! These sugar cookies are very versatile. Blueberry, raspberry, or even apricot jams make excellent substitutions, each bringing its own unique twist to the flavor profile.

Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. The texture might vary slightly but will still be just as delicious.

Do I have to use both granulated and powdered sugar?

Yes, using both sugars balances sweetness and texture perfectly. Granulated sugar helps with a slight crunch on the edges, while powdered sugar gives that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Definitely! Replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil, and check that your powdered sugar doesn’t contain any dairy additives.

What’s the best way to prevent the jam from leaking when baking?

Sealing the cookie edges well and crimping with a fork helps keep the jam securely inside. Also, avoid overfilling the well with jam; a teaspoon is just right to prevent spills.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies that combines a sense of childhood wonder with the joy of homemade treats. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bursting with flavor and personality. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch how fast these delightful treats disappear from your cookie jar. Your sweet tooth will thank you!

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