Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet spot for nostalgic treats with a fresh twist, you are going to fall head over heels for these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. Imagine the buttery, tender crumb of a classic sugar cookie combined with the irresistible, fruity burst of strawberry jam right at the center. These cookies bring all the fun of a childhood favorite into a more sophisticated, homemade cookie form that’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just treating yourself. They’re delightfully simple, incredibly satisfying, and decorated with sprinkles that add a pop of color and joy to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but plays an essential role, making these cookies taste like pure magic. From the richness of the butter to the sweet, tangy surprise of strawberry jam, every component works together to create that tender, flavorful cookie you’ll want to bake again and again.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and that perfect cookie texture.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure your cookies rise just enough to be soft and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness with a slight savory touch.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with a slight crispness on the edges.
• Powdered sugar: Keeps the dough tender and adds subtle sweetness without grittiness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the sweet dough.
• Almond extract (optional): A little boost of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with strawberry, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
• Strawberry jam or preserves: The heart of the cookie—juicy, fruity, and oh-so-delicious.
• Sprinkles: To garnish and add a festive touch that makes these cookies eye-catching and fun.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise perfectly and taste balanced throughout.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is the secret to having tender yet flavorful cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts

One at a time, mix in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts (if using). These extracts infuse the cookie dough with warm, inviting aromas sure to make your kitchen smell like a bakery.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the dough. You want it just combined to achieve that soft, tender crumb without toughness.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Using about one tablespoon of dough per cookie, roll the dough into balls and flatten them into 2-inch discs. On half of these discs, create a small well in the center—this is where the strawberry jam magic happens. Spoon roughly one teaspoon of strawberry jam into each well.

Step 6: Seal the Cookies

Top each jam-filled disc with another plain disc and press the edges together, crimping them with a fork to seal in the jam. This sealing step is key to preventing jam from leaking during baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden. After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly without breaking apart.

Step 8: Optional Decorating

For a little extra fun, drizzle the cooled cookies with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with just a bit of milk, then sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top. This gives them that iconic pop tart look with a playful and festive finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

While sprinkles are the classic and joyful finishing touch, you can also dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or add a gentle drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant twist. Fresh strawberry slices on the side make a lovely and fresh garnish too.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with simple, comforting drinks like a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a creamy latte. If you want to turn your cookie time into a full-on dessert experience, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies on a colorful platter with a little bowl of jam for dipping. For parties, stack them on tiered trays or serve in cute cookie boxes as thoughtful edible gifts. You can also sandwich them with whipped cream for an impromptu cookie cheesecake treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out, so you can enjoy that strawberry-filled goodness even days later.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. Freeze the dough balls separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months, then bake straight from frozen with an extra minute or two of baking time. Baked cookies freeze wonderfully too; just pack them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently warm cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will revive the softness and make the jam center gooey and irresistible again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of jam?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic for these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies, raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jams all work beautifully and add exciting flavors.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can skip the almond extract without any issues. The vanilla will still provide great flavor, and the cookies will turn out just as delicious.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?

Make sure to seal the cookie edges very well by gently pressing and crimping with a fork. Keeping the jam wells small helps too. Chilling the cookies briefly before baking can also reduce leakage.

Can I make this dough vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter and flax eggs, you could adapt the recipe. However, the texture may differ slightly from the original buttery version.

Are these cookies better soft or crispy?

These cookies are designed to be tender and soft with lightly golden edges, creating a delightful contrast to the smooth jam center. If you prefer crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer but watch closely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely heartwarming about making and sharing Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. They bring a burst of childhood joy paired with the satisfaction of a homemade treat that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and watch these scrumptious cookies become a new favorite in your recipe collection. You won’t regret it!

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