Delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a delightful twist on a childhood classic with these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies. Born out of a rainy day mission to keep the kids entertained, these cookies have become a cherished go-to treat in my household. Imagine a buttery cookie embracing a jammy strawberry center, all topped off with a sweet glaze – it’s a flavor combination that delights both young and old alike. Forget the boxed versions; once you taste these homemade delights, you’ll never look back.

The magic of these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies lies in their irresistible appeal that has won over even the pickiest eaters. With a jammy center that oozes with flavor and a perfectly soft texture, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a kids’ birthday party, a brunch gathering, or a grown-up soirée, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delectable Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies that will have everyone coming back for more.

Quick Benefits

• Kid-friendly Appeal: These cookies evoke nostalgia for childhood pop tarts, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile Flavors: Easily customizable with different jam flavors like raspberry or apricot for a unique twist.
• Make-ahead Convenience: Can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container or frozen for future cravings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthday parties, brunch gatherings, or even just a midweek pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe Recipe

• People will love this recipe because it offers a fun and creative twist on the classic pop tart flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• The buttery cookie combined with the jammy center and sweet glaze creates a nostalgic and satisfying taste experience that appeals to the kid in everyone who tries them.
• These cookies have received rave reviews from family and friends, with requests for the recipe and instances of grown adults fighting over the last one, showcasing their irresistible appeal.
• The versatility of the recipe allows for customization with different jam flavors like raspberry, blackberry, or even chocolate hazelnut, making it suitable for various preferences and occasions.
• Serving suggestions such as pairing with fresh strawberries, milk, or champagne offer different ways to enjoy these cookies, making them perfect for brunch gatherings, kids’ parties, or adult get-togethers.
• The recipe’s adaptability for different seasons and holidays, like using apple butter with cinnamon or adding freeze-dried strawberries for festive touches, ensures that they can be enjoyed year-round with exciting variations.
• The cookies can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature, with the option to freeze unbaked filled cookie dough for future cravings, making them convenient and ideal for preparing ahead.
• Making these cookies can become a fun family activity, allowing kids to get involved in the baking process and creating a signature treat that everyone looks forward to, fostering a sense of togetherness and enjoyment.

Ingredients for Delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

For the cookie

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the jam

• 1 cup strawberry preserves
• 2 tbsp corn starch

For the icing

• 3-5 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• Sanding sugar or sprinkles

How to Make Delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the jam

Prepare the jam by whisking together jam and corn starch in a small bowl. Freeze until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the cookie dough

In a stand mixer bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla, almond extract, eggs, and milk. Mix on low until just combined. Slowly add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt while mixing on low, until just incorporated. Avoid over mixing.

Step 3: Form dough balls

Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and use a large cookie scoop to form dough balls with about 3 tablespoons of dough each. If the dough is too soft, chill for 10 minutes before shaping.

Step 4: Assemble cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Let the jam set for about 30 minutes. Take one cookie dough ball, flatten it in your hand, add 1 teaspoon of jam to the center, fold the dough over the jam, seal it, roll it into a round shape, and place it on the cookie sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Place 3-4 cookies per sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and lightly browned. Avoid overcooking by removing them before they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Shape and cool

Take the cookie out of the oven and use a larger bowl or cookie cutter to gently reshape it into a circle. Let it cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before moving it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the icing

After the cookies have cooled, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Adjust consistency by adding more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 8: Decorate and serve

Spread icing on each cookie and sprinkle with sanding sugar or sprinkles. Serve.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked and glazed your strawberry pop tart cookies, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness and flavor. These cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. However, note that the icing may soften slightly over time. To prevent the cookies from sticking together, you can place parchment paper between the layers in the container.

For longer storage, you have the option to freeze the unbaked filled cookie dough balls. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure they are well sealed. When you’re ready to bake them, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time when cooking the cookies from frozen. Additionally, the dough (without filling) can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before use, allowing you to prepare the dough in advance for convenience. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy these delightful strawberry pop tart cookies whenever you crave a sweet treat or need to impress guests at gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a healthier version of these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, you can substitute some ingredients. For a lower-fat option, you can replace some or all of the butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana. This swap will reduce the overall fat content while adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Additionally, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of granulated sugar for a lower-calorie alternative.

To cater to dietary restrictions or preferences, you can make these cookies vegan by using plant-based butter and replacing the eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute. To make them gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves or fillings to customize the cookies to your liking. Try using blueberry, peach, or cherry preserves for a unique twist on the classic strawberry flavor mentioned in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and nostalgic twist, serve these strawberry pop tart cookies as a playful dessert option at a brunch gathering. Arrange them on a platter alongside mini donut muffins and fruit skewers for a delightful breakfast-inspired spread that will surely impress your guests. The colorful and sweet cookies will add a whimsical touch to the table and create a memorable dining experience.

To elevate these strawberry pop tart cookies for a more sophisticated crowd, pair them with a glass of champagne at your next grown-up gathering. The combination of the bubbly champagne with the sweet strawberry flavors of the cookies creates a surprisingly delightful contrast that will have your guests reaching for more. Serve them on a tiered stand with other pink treats for a visually appealing display that is sure to be a hit at any event.

FAQs for Delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter in this recipe. Just make sure to add a pinch of salt to the dough if you’re using unsalted butter to balance the flavors.

Can I substitute the strawberry preserves with a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry, blackberry, or apricot to create different flavor variations of these cookies.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out of the cookies while baking?

To prevent the filling from leaking, make sure to leave a small border when spreading the preserves on the dough. Additionally, sealing the edges well before baking can help contain the filling.

Can I make these cookies in advance and freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked filled cookie dough balls for later use. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when baking them from frozen. The dough without filling can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days before using.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, remember that the beauty of baking lies not just in the end result, but also in the process itself. These cookies have the magical ability to evoke joy and nostalgia, making them perfect for any occasion or just a simple weekday treat. So, gather your loved ones in the kitchen, put on some music, and create memories together while baking up a batch of these sweet delights.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, don’t be discouraged by any mishaps along the way. After all, it’s the imperfections that make homemade treats so special and unique. So, embrace the journey of baking these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, experiment with different variations, and most importantly, have fun sharing them with those you care about. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies – Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, to be exact!