Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and joyfully indulgent, Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are about to become your next baking obsession. Imagine the iconic flavors of strawberry jam, buttery pastry, and sweet glaze, all baked into a chewy, jam-filled cookie studded with actual Pop-Tart pieces. This playful dessert brings together everything you love about Saturday morning breakfasts and cozy kitchen memories, with a twist that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies is refreshingly simple, and every ingredient has a starring role in the finished result. Each one adds to the cookies’ rich flavor, tender crumb, or pop of color that makes them so irresistible. Gather up these essentials and you’re halfway to a tray of happiness.

• Unsalted Butter: This provides the rich, classic cookie base and adds to the soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and that beautiful golden finish on top.
• Brown Sugar (packed): Infuses a hint of caramel flavor and makes every bite moist and chewy.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and keeps your cookies tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and adds warmth to the dough and glaze.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure so your cookies hold the jammy centers perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Lifts each cookie for a light, satisfying bite.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness while enhancing all the flavors.
• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: Pops of strawberry goodness that make every cookie burst with flavor—use your favorite brand for a custom touch.
• Strawberry Pop-Tarts (chopped): The showstopper ingredient that brings a fun texture and a wink of nostalgia (use 2–3, depending on preference).
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Drifts over the cooled cookies for that bakery-style finish.
• Milk (for glaze): Smooths out the glaze to make it perfect for drizzling.
• Vanilla Extract (for glaze): A subtle layer of flavor in every decorative sweep.
• Pink Food Coloring (optional): Makes the glaze as playful and pink as the Pop-Tarts inside.
• Sprinkles (optional): Add a festive sparkle to the frosted tops!

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps the cookies bake evenly and pop off effortlessly, giving you easy cleanup and perfect bottoms every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You’ll want to mix until the combination is light and fluffy, so your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies end up soft and rich. This step sets the foundation for that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Break in the large egg and pour in your vanilla extract. Beat again, just until everything is blended—these two ingredients help bring your dough together and infuse it with warmth and flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a different bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining just until no streaks remain. This gentle mixing keeps your cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Pop-Tarts

Chop 2 to 3 strawberry Pop-Tarts into small pieces and gently fold them into your dough. Every chunk melts just a little and adds pops of strawberry flavor, giving the cookies those signature pockets of nostalgia.

Step 6: Shape, Fill, and Seal the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and flatten them gently with your hands. Using your thumb or a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each. Fill the dimple with about half a teaspoon of strawberry jam, then top with a smaller piece of dough, pressing the edges to seal in the jammy goodness. It’s like creating a hidden surprise in each treat!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool on the tray for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack—don’t skip this! It helps the cookies set with beautifully soft centers and crisp edges.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate

Once the cookies are completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Add a drop or two of pink food coloring for that whimsical finish, if you’d like! Drizzle generously over the cookies, then shower them with sprinkles for an extra dose of delight. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies

Garnishes

Finish your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies with a dusting of rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter right after glazing, so it sticks beautifully. For a grown-up touch, try a few freeze-dried strawberry crumbles or a light drizzle of white chocolate.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy vanilla milkshake, or even a scoop of strawberry ice cream. You can also set them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for an elegant dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Pop these cookies into pretty gift boxes lined with parchment, or stack them high on a tiered serving tray. For parties, wrap each cookie individually in cellophane and tie with a ribbon! Feeling extra? Tuck them into lunchboxes with a cute note for a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent the glaze from smudging.

Freezing

You can freeze baked, unglazed cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, glaze, and don’t forget the sprinkles!

Reheating

These cookies are delicious at room temperature, but if you love a warm middle, microwave an unglazed cookie for 10 seconds before glazing. Freezer-thawed cookies can be briefly warmed this way for that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Pop-Tarts?

Absolutely! Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies easily adapt to any Pop-Tart variety—try blueberry, raspberry, or even brown sugar cinnamon for a fun twist on flavor.

Do I have to seal the cookies with extra dough?

Sealing them ensures the strawberry jam stays inside and doesn’t leak out during baking, giving you that perfect jammy bite. If you want a more rustic look, it’s okay to leave the tops open; just expect a little jam to peek out.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well as a substitute. Just make sure your Pop-Tarts (or chosen substitute) are certified gluten-free if you need the entire batch to be safe for sensitive eaters.

How can I make the cookies extra strawberry-flavored?

Add a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder to your dough or your glaze for a more intense berry kick. Chopped fresh strawberries are not recommended as they add too much moisture.

What if I don’t have strawberry jam?

Use raspberry, cherry, or even apricot preserves instead! The base recipe is endlessly flexible, and experimenting with new flavors can make each batch of Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies unique.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a plate of Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies—every bite is a flashback to childhood, with a bakery-style upgrade and a pop of personality. Grab your favorite jam, pull out those colorful sprinkles, and let this recipe become a playful staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!

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