Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are a whimsical twist on the beloved classic treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that reveals a delightful burst of strawberry jam with every morsel. These sugar cookies not only capture the essence of the iconic Pop Tart with their vibrant flavor and colorful sprinkles but also bring a homemade touch that packaged versions can’t match. Every bite is filled with nostalgia, reminding you of sunny afternoons spent enjoying sweet treats. Baking them can quickly transform an ordinary day into a special celebration.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies

The beauty of Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies lies in their versatility and delightful taste. They can easily brighten up dessert tables at parties, make a charming addition to brunch spreads, or simply offer a sweet snack during a cozy night in. Plus, they’re both fun to make and budget-friendly, making them an easy choice for bakers of all ages. If you’re craving something delicious and unique, these cookies are perfect for you. Let’s dive into the joy of baking homemade Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just about 42 minutes of cooking time, these cookies come together easily, making them perfect for last-minute treats.
Irresistible Flavor: Soft, chewy cookies filled with sweet strawberry jam are pure comfort food; they’ll definitely satisfy your sweet tooth!
Eye-Catching Appeal: Dressed with fluffy frosting and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are as cute as they are delicious, making them a hit at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them at parties, as a fun breakfast option, or for an afternoon snack—they fit any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: The ingredients are easy to swap, so you can experiment with gluten-free flour or dairy-free substitutes if you wish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup salted butter: Adds richness and flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
¾ cup white granulated sugar: Sweetness helps create that classic cookie taste.
¾ cup light brown sugar: Offers moisture and a slight caramel flavor; you can substitute with dark brown sugar for a deeper taste.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with the structure of the cookie.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor; use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness; don’t skip it!
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for maximum effect.
2½-3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base; the amount can vary depending on humidity and how your dough feels.
1 cup strawberry jam: The star filling; feel free to use homemade or store-bought jam.
4 oz. cream cheese: Adds creaminess to the frosting; make sure it’s at room temperature.
4 tablespoons salted butter: For the frosting, it adds flavor and smoothness.
3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting; sift it for a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor to the frosting.
2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy whipping cream: Helps achieve the desired frosting consistency.
2 tablespoons multicolored or red sprinkles: To make your cookies pop with fun color!

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), combine 1 cup salted butter, ¾ cup white granulated sugar, and ¾ cup light brown sugar. Beat on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well blended.

Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until it’s fluffy and evenly combined.

Mix in Salt and Baking Soda: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Blend until just combined; avoid over-mixing at this stage.

Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add in 2½-3 cups all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed for about 1 minute until the flour is completely integrated. The dough will come together nicely; it should feel soft but not sticky.

Preheat the Oven: While preparing the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Scoop and Fill the Dough: Use a ¼ cup measuring scoop to portion out 12 balls of dough. Hold one ball in your hand and press a deep hole in the center with a round tablespoon. Spoon 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam into that hole. Carefully seal the edges of the dough and roll it into a smooth ball, ensuring there are no cracks. Repeat this process until all 12 cookies are filled.

Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place 6 cookie dough balls on one baking sheet and the remaining 6 on the other. Make sure to space them adequately.

Bake the Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies begin to crack at the surface. They should be lightly golden on the edges. It’s time to prepare your frosting while the cookies cool down completely.

Make the Frosting: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine 4 oz. cream cheese and 4 tablespoons salted butter. Beat on medium/high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Add Powdered Sugar: Carefully add in 3 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix on low speed to prevent a sugary cloud until fully incorporated between each addition.

Finish with Milk and Vanilla: Pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with 2 tablespoons of whole milk or heavy whipping cream. Mix everything well until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Frost the Cookies and Add Sprinkles: After your cookies have cooled completely, spoon the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Frost each cookie in a gentle spiral pattern, then finish with a sprinkle of multicolored or red sprinkles for that final touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to save them for longer, freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy freshly baked goodness, simply reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. The texture may soften slightly after freezing, but reheating will refresh that delightful cookie consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure all your dairy ingredients, like butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth batter and frosting.
Watch your baking time closely; every oven is different. Pull the cookies out as soon as they start to crack to keep them soft.
For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
If using jam, try different flavors such as raspberry or peach to mix things up!
Make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, allowing for a quick bake whenever the craving hits.

Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a sweet moment waiting to happen. With a blend of tasty ingredients, an easy preparation method, and a guarantee to impress anyone who tries them, you’ll find these cookies become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to explore variations or take your time savoring the baking process—each bite is a delightful reminder of how sweet life can be. Treat yourself and enjoy the bright burst of goodness these cookies bring!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of jam?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry. Just ensure the jam is thick enough to hold its shape during baking.

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze these cookies! After baking and cooling, simply place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a low oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

What can I use as a frosting substitute?

If you’re looking to cut down on the frosting, a simple glaze could do the trick. Combine powdered sugar with a bit of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cookies for a lighter take!

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Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: N/A
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are an irresistible treat with a rich flavor profile, easy preparation, and simple ingredients. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet snack!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup butter, salted
¾ cup white granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2½–3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup strawberry jam
4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoon multicolored or red sprinkles

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Instructions

Combine butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a stand mixer or large bowl and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until well combined.
Incorporate salt and baking soda, mixing until just combined.
Gradually add flour one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully mixed.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop ¼ cup of dough to form 12 balls; create a deep hole and fill each with 1 tablespoon of jam. Seal the edges and roll to smooth.
Space 6 balls on each baking sheet and bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes until cookies start to crack. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until fully incorporated.
Blend in vanilla extract and whole milk until smooth.
Frost cooled cookies using a piping bag with a large round tip and top with sprinkles.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Using room temperature cream cheese helps in achieving smooth frosting.
Feel free to adjust the amount of sprinkles to your liking.