Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, then you must try these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! These cookies are not just any ordinary sweet; they combine the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies with a luscious strawberry jam filling. They’re perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. Every bite is a taste of nostalgia that will surely warm your heart!

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up a batch. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get the kids involved in the kitchen—who wouldn’t love making their own cookies filled with sweet strawberry goodness?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these cookies are beginner-friendly!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the fun flavors and colorful sprinkles.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch for friends, neighbors, or school events; they’ll be a hit!
• Versatile dessert: Enjoy them as snacks, desserts, or even as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather these staples from your pantry, and you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven!

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some tasty ideas to switch things up:

• Change the filling: Use raspberry or blueberry jam for a different fruity twist.
• Add zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Make them chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to part of the dough for chocolate-flavored cookies.
• Try different extracts: Swap almond extract for coconut or hazelnut extract for unique flavors.

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 helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour so your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream the Butters 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 process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture we all crave!

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Extracts

Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in both vanilla and almond extracts. These flavors really enhance your cookies’ taste and bring that nostalgic feeling with every bite.

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 our cookies soft and tender!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a 2-inch disc and create a small well in the center. This little well is where all that delicious strawberry jam will go!

Step 7: Fill with Strawberry Jam

Fill half of your cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam in each well. The jam adds sweetness and gooeyness that makes these cookies extra special.

Step 8: Seal Your Cookies

Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc of dough. Seal those edges by crimping them together with a fork; this keeps all that yummy filling inside while they bake.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Place your cookie trays in the oven and 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: Optional Decoration

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over cooled cookies and top with colorful sprinkles! Enjoy every bite of these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Making these delightful cookies is a breeze, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes better with sugars, creating a light and fluffy texture that ensures your cookies are tender and delicious.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. You want a gentle hand to keep them soft!
• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape, resulting in perfectly formed cookies.
• Experiment with jam flavors: While strawberry is classic, trying raspberry or blueberry jam can add a fun twist to your cookies—variety keeps things exciting!
• Decorate creatively: Beyond sprinkles, consider drizzling melted chocolate or adding edible glitter for a whimsical touch that makes these cookies even more inviting.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions! Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, here are some wonderful ways to present them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar gives the cookies an elegant finish that enhances their sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of indulgence that complements the strawberry jam beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies while providing a colorful presentation.
• Vanilla or coconut yogurt: A scoop of creamy yogurt serves as a lovely dip for the cookies, balancing their sweetness with tanginess and creaminess.
• Iced tea or lemonade: Refreshing beverages like iced tea or homemade lemonade pair wonderfully with these cookies, creating a delightful afternoon snack or dessert experience.
• Cheese platter: Include some mild cheeses such as brie or cream cheese on a platter alongside your cookies for an unexpected savory contrast that can elevate your dessert table.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles to faces young and old alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or even save some for later. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place a piece of bread in the container to help keep them soft.

Freezing

• Place unbaked cookie dough discs separated by parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• For quick reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Have questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries regarding Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies.

Can I use a different type of jam for these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams or preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot. Each will give your cookies a unique flavor twist!

How do I keep my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape during baking.

Are Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies good for special occasions?

Yes! These cookies make a fun addition to parties and holidays—everyone loves a nostalgic treat. They’re colorful and delightful, perfect for sharing!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it does me! Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are not just sweet treats; they’re a celebration of nostalgia wrapped in deliciousness. Enjoy making them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! Happy baking!