Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies

Table of Contents

Oh, my friends, let me take you back to a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla mingling with the pastry-like scent of freshly baked cookies. It all began when I was rummaging through my pantry, hunting for a treat to bring a little joy to my week. Among the dusty boxes and stray bags, I stumbled upon an unopened jar of delightful strawberry jam, alongside a craving for the nostalgia of childhood snacks. And voilà! Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies were born.

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy sugar cookie that has a surprise burst of fruity strawberry goodness in the center, all kissed with a sweet glaze and a sprinkle of colorful fun. The memories of those crunchy, frosted pop tarts I loved as a kid rushed back, but with the heartwarming hug of homemade cookies. Trust me, my dear readers—you’ll adore these cookies as much as I do. Their delicate sweetness and playful twist transport you straight to a cozy corner of your kitchen, where warmth and happiness abound.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Just a few ingredients and a handful of steps will have you whipping up these treats in no time!
• Quick Baking Time: Bake a batch in under 15 minutes—perfect for those moments when you need cookies fast!
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of buttery sugar cookie with the rich strawberry jam makes every bite blissful.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a bake sale, kids’ party, or cozy family gathering, these cookies are sure to melt hearts.
• Customizable: With endless variations, you can easily mix things up to match your mood or season!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter creates a fluffy texture, blending beautifully with sugar.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to each bite.
• 1 large egg: Eggs help bind the dough, giving it stability and a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor—trust me, it’s worth it!
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The main base of our cookies, giving them their delightful structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise beautifully, providing that soft chewiness we all adore.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, making every flavor pop!
• 1 cup strawberry jam: The star of the show! This creamy, fruity filling is the hidden treasure of our cookies.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Perfect for that smooth glaze that adds a candy-like finish.
• 2 tablespoons milk: To loosen the glaze just enough for a pretty drizzle.
• Sprinkles for topping: Because what’s a cookie without a little sprinkle of joy?

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line those baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking. The anticipation of deliciousness is building already!

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes, or whisk by hand if you’re feeling adventurous! The lovely smell of sweet butter will fill your kitchen.

3. Beat in Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. The moment those ingredients combine will make your heart flutter with warmth.

4. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that every cookie has just the right balance of flavor!

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is just combined. You want to take care not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

6. Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls—about 2 tablespoons each—and flatten them slightly. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, giving them room to spread. Your palms will feel the soft dough as you shape each delightful cookie!

7. Add the Strawberry Jam

Now for the magic! Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with a teaspoon of strawberry jam. Don’t be shy; this jam is what brings that sweet pop of flavor!

8. Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with a heavenly sweet fragrance that makes it hard to resist taking a sneak peek.

9. Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. The smell will make you want to dive in, but patience is key!

10. Make the Glaze

To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies and top with colorful sprinkles. It’s a whimsical touch that makes these treats truly shine!

11. Enjoy!

Finally, enjoy your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and comfort—just the way cookies should be!

Pro Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.
• Use Quality Jam: A good-quality strawberry jam makes all the difference in flavor.
• Experiment with Sprinkle Colors: Choose sprinkles that match the occasion or season for a fun touch!

Flavor Variations

• Fruit Swaps: Try using raspberry or blueberry jam for a twist!
• Add Spice: A dash of cinnamon in the dough can offer a warm flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Chocolate Decadence: Mix in chocolate chips for an extra layer of indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of herbal tea. For presentation, pile them up on a cute serving dish, and surround them with fresh strawberries for a lovely pop of color and a fragrant touch!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the dough a day in advance! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. Trust me; they’ll stay soft and delicious!

Leftovers

If by chance you have any leftover cookies (and that’s a big if!), crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delightful sundae treat. Or, use them in your morning yogurt parfait for some added sweetness!

Freezing

Absolutely! You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For dough, roll into balls, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. For baked cookies, lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a container. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

Reheat your cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that freshly baked feel. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just warm them for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of jam?
Absolutely! Any fruit jam or preserve works beautifully in these cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can skip the glaze entirely, or use regular granulated sugar mixed with a bit of milk to create a simpler drizzle.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it for up to 3 days, or even freeze it for later.

Final Thoughts

Baking Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day—simple, warm, and utterly comforting. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with love and joy, just as it has in mine. Don’t forget to share these delightful gems with your loved ones, because the happiness of cookies is best when shared! Keep vibing and keep baking, my friends!

Happy baking! 🍓❤️