Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of childhood nostalgia, look no further than these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. These cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with sweet strawberry jam, creating a perfect bite of joy. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging on a busy weeknight, these cookies will surely bring smiles to everyone around the table. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

What makes this recipe truly special is not just the delicious flavor but also the memories that come flooding back with each bite. The combination of buttery cookie dough and sweet jam reminds us of those carefree days when we enjoyed our favorite breakfast treat. So grab your apron and let’s get started on making these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to whip up: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to filling cookies with jam.
• Versatile treats: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a school bake sale or a cozy night in.
• Deliciously nostalgic: Enjoy the flavors of your childhood in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these scrumptious cookies! You likely have most of them in your pantry already.

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
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Variations

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies:

• Swap the jam: Try using raspberry or blueberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
• Change up the sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions to make them even more festive.
• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Make them mini: Roll smaller balls for bite-sized cookies that are perfect for sharing.

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 and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This process creates air pockets in your dough, resulting in soft and tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract. These flavors will enhance the overall taste of your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your dough to be soft but still hold together.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

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 is where you’ll place your delicious strawberry jam.

Step 7: Fill with Jam

Fill half of the cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam in each well. This sweet surprise is what makes these cookies truly special!

Step 8: Seal Your Cookies

Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc. Seal and crimp the edges using a fork—this keeps all that tasty filling inside while they bake.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack; this helps them set perfectly.

Step 10: Add Some Fun (Optional)

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

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Baking is all about joy and experimentation, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies turn out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing helps create a smoother batter, leading to softer cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender and prevents them from becoming tough. It’s okay if there are still a few floury bits; they’ll hydrate during baking.

• Chill the dough if it’s too soft: If you find your dough is sticky and hard to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to handle and shapes beautifully.

• Experiment with different jams: While strawberry is delicious, feel free to switch it up! Raspberry or apricot preserves can bring new flavors and make each batch unique.

• Let the cookies cool completely before icing: If you decide to drizzle icing on top, allowing the cookies to cool fully prevents the icing from melting into a gooey mess!

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a special celebration.

Garnishes

• Edible glitter: A sprinkle of edible glitter can add a festive touch that catches the light beautifully.
• Fresh strawberries: Slicing fresh strawberries and placing them alongside the cookies enhances their flavor profile and provides a fresh contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberry jam center, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal berries balances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a light and enjoyable dessert spread.
• Milk or dairy-free alternative: A glass of cold milk (or your favorite dairy-free alternative) complements these cookies perfectly, enhancing their nostalgic vibe.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can provide a cozy setting for enjoying these cookies, making for an ideal afternoon treat.

Enjoy crafting your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies—they’re sure to bring smiles and sweet memories!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them to enjoy later, making your dessert game easier and more delightful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.
• For optimal texture, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• Thaw frozen dough overnight in the refrigerator before baking or bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat baked cookies, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that freshly-baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies!

Can I use other flavors of jam for Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit jams or preserves like raspberry or blueberry for a fun twist.

How do I make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies more colorful?

To amp up the fun factor, use vibrant sprinkles or colored icing on top after they’ve cooled. This makes them great for festive occasions!

Can I make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies without almond extract?

Yes! The almond extract adds a nice flavor but is completely optional. You can enhance the vanilla flavor instead if desired.

How long do Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature. They also freeze well if you’d like to keep some for later!

What is the best way to decorate Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Drizzling icing made from powdered sugar and milk creates a beautiful finish. Add sprinkles immediately after drizzling so they stick well!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies as much as I do! They’re soft, sweet, and bring back those nostalgic flavors we all love. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!