Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back sweet childhood memories, then let me introduce you to my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. These little gems are not just cookies; they’re a nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with luscious strawberry jam and adorned with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to family gatherings, these cookies will add a sprinkle of joy to your day!

Every bite of these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies is soft and buttery, reminding you of the classic treat while being a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies. They are so easy to make that even the little ones can join in on the fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! The vibrant colors and sweet filling make them irresistible.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for future cookie cravings.
• Customizable Toppings: Get creative with different sprinkles or even icing flavors!
• Deliciously Nostalgic: Every bite is like taking a trip back to your childhood—sweet and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a vital role in making these cookies soft, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious!

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 get creative with flavors and fillings. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Change the Fruit: Swap out strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry jam for a new flavor experience.
• Add Zest: Mixing in some lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing citrus twist!
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like coconut or lemon instead of almond.
• Go Nutty: Stir in some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for added texture.

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. While you’re at it, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour for perfect cookie rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter 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 desirable soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). These flavors will enhance the sweetness of your cookies!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep your cookies 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 with your finger. This is where we will add our delicious strawberry jam!

Step 7: Fill with Jam

Fill half of your cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam right in that lovely well you made—this will be the delightful surprise inside each cookie!

Step 8: Seal Your Cookies

Top each jam-filled disc with another flattened disc of dough. Seal them by crimping edges together with a fork—this keeps all that yummy filling inside while baking!

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake those beauties for about 10-12 minutes until their edges are lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack; this will help them set properly.

Step 10: Optional Icing Drizzle

If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over cooled cookies and finish off with sprinkles for an extra special touch!

Now you’ve got yourself a batch of warm Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies that are sure to bring smiles all around! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Baking can be incredibly rewarding, and with a few pro tips, you’ll create the perfect Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies that are sure to impress!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies light and tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your dough feels too soft to work with, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the butter, making it easier to shape and preventing spreading during baking.

• Seal edges thoroughly: Be sure to crimp the edges of your cookie sandwiches well. This prevents the strawberry jam from leaking out during baking, ensuring a delightful surprise in every bite.

• Experiment with different jams: While strawberry jam is delicious, feel free to try other flavors like raspberry or peach for a fun twist. Different jams can add unique flavors and colors to your cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

These charming cookies not only taste wonderful but also look fantastic on any dessert table! Here are some delightful presentation ideas.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
• Fresh strawberries: Serve alongside sliced fresh strawberries for a refreshing contrast and a burst of color on your plate.
• Whipped topping: A dollop of dairy-free whipped topping can make for a lovely accompaniment, adding creaminess that complements the fruity jam.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these sweet cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a vibrant contrast and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Chocolate milkshake: The classic flavors of chocolate milkshakes create an indulgent treat that kids and adults alike will adore when paired with these cookies.
• Herbal tea: Offering a warm cup of herbal tea can complement the sugary goodness while adding a comforting touch to your serving experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! Happy baking!

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 for later enjoyment, making sweet treats easy to grab whenever you want a delicious snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• For added freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies:

Can I use different flavors of jam in these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams or preserves like raspberry or blueberry for a fun twist on the classic flavor.

How do I achieve the best texture in my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

To get the perfect soft and buttery texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour.

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

Yes, the almond extract is optional. You can simply omit it, or substitute it with more vanilla extract if you prefer.

How do I decorate my Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies?

You can drizzle icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies and top them with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies! They bring a sense of nostalgia while being incredibly fun to bake. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!