Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you are craving a nostalgic treat that’s bursting with fruity sweetness and buttery delight, you have to try this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe. These soft, tender cookies are lovingly filled with vibrant strawberry jam and finished with sprinkles that make every bite feel like a homemade version of the classic childhood favorite, transformed into a delightful cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a get-together, a fun family dessert, or just because you deserve a sweet escape, these cookies promise to brighten your day with their cheerful flavor and texture.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe is how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s creating the tender cookie base or adding that perfect pop of strawberry flavor and color.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and softness in your cookies, making sure they hold their shape but stay tender.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure your cookies rise beautifully and have a delicate crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness so your cookies taste just right.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and contributes to the soft texture when properly creamed.
• Granulated sugar and powdered sugar: A perfect blend for sweetness and that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for that perfect chewiness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor to the dough.
• Almond extract (optional): A subtle nutty note that pairs wonderfully with strawberry without overpowering.
• Strawberry jam or preserves: The star filling that gives the cookies their juicy, fruity charm.
• Sprinkles: For that colorful, festive touch that makes these cookies pop visually and taste fun.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

First thing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mix of dry ingredients lays the groundwork for your cookie dough’s perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and pale, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates tiny air pockets that help your cookies stay soft and tender when baked.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract and if you’re using it, the almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. These ingredients add moisture and aromatic richness to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix – just combine until the dough forms. This balance keeps your cookies tender rather than chewy or tough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookie Discs

Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Then, flatten it gently into a 2-inch disc. Using your finger or the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of half of the discs – this is where your strawberry magic goes.

Step 6: Fill and Seal the Cookies

Place about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each well on half of the discs. Top each with another disc, pressing the edges together and crimping with a fork to seal in that luscious jam. This sealing step keeps the jam from oozing out and gives your cookies that classic pop tart look.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden hue. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Add Sprinkles and Optional Icing

For a joyful finishing touch, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies and sprinkle generously with colorful sprinkles. This step makes your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe irresistibly fun and festive.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own but get even better with a little extra flair. A quick drizzle of homemade glaze and bright sprinkles add both crunchy texture and vibrant color. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that delights at any time of day. Their sweet and buttery profile pairs wonderfully with creamy or robust beverages.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, stack these cookies in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon. You can also arrange them on a colorful platter alongside other treats for a nostalgic dessert spread that’s sure to charm everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying over several snack breaks or sharing with friends.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the fully baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a tasty treat.

Reheating

To warm your cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives the soft, buttery texture and makes the strawberry jam gooey again, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam gives the most classic pop tart flavor, raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jams also work wonderfully. Just choose your favorite fruit flavor to personalize your cookies.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract on hand, no worries. The vanilla alone provides plenty of warmth and aroma, but feel free to add a little lemon zest to give an extra bright note instead.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to crimp the edges of the cookies tightly with a fork, sealing the dough discs well around the jam. Refrigerating the shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking can also help reduce leakage.

Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?

Definitely! The steps are fun and simple, especially rolling and filling the discs. Kids will love helping add sprinkles too, making this recipe a perfect family baking activity.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines nostalgia, sweetness, and a touch of whimsy, the Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. They’re straightforward to make, irresistibly delicious, and bring joy with every bite. I promise once you try these fresh, fruity, buttery cookies, they’ll become a beloved favorite to share over and over again.

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