There’s something wildly nostalgic and delightfully indulgent about these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies. Imagine the soft chew of a cookie paired with the fruity sweetness of strawberry jam, all tucked into a buttery, flaky pastry-like dough and finished with a drizzle of icing and sprinkles. Yeah, they’re as dreamy as they sound.
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These cookies take the best part of childhood breakfasts and reimagine them as a dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not—we won’t judge). Whether you’re baking them for a weekend treat, packing them into a lunchbox, or just craving something sweet and slightly whimsical, trust me, you’re going to love this. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and yes—they’re a total game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, sharing something sweet at a party, or just craving a playful twist on a classic treat, these cookies deliver. Here’s why they’re bound to become a favorite:
Versatile: These cookies are a hit at bake sales, holiday parties, or even as a surprise in a lunchbox. They’re the kind of treat that makes people light up with the first bite.
Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients needed—just pantry staples and a bit of jam. You’ll likely already have everything you need at home.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps and a straightforward process make this recipe beginner-friendly. You’ll have bakery-level cookies without breaking a sweat.
Customizable: Try them with raspberry, blueberry, or even Nutella for a chocolate twist. You can personalize them to suit your cravings or whatever’s in your fridge.
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re like cookies and Pop Tarts had the most delicious baby ever. Kids love them, adults adore them, and everyone asks for the recipe.
Ingredients in Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
Here’s where the magic begins. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making something seriously special.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough—gives these cookies structure without being too dense.
Unsalted Butter: For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily.
Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the fruity filling.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give your dough that perfect softness.
Vanilla Extract: A warm background note that enhances all the other flavors.
Strawberry Jam: The sweet-tart filling that gives these cookies their Pop-Tart-inspired vibe. Go for a good-quality jam for the best results.
Powdered Sugar: Used for the icing, it adds that sweet finishing touch that brings the whole cookie together.
Milk: Just a splash to make your icing drizzle-able.
Sprinkles: Because life is just better with sprinkles.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It sets the stage for even baking and golden perfection.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds the structure and texture of the cookies.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure it’s all well incorporated.
Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the flour until a dough forms. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough—don’t overmix.
Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into rectangles, just like mini Pop Tarts.
Add the Jam: Spoon a little strawberry jam into the center of half the rectangles. Be careful not to overfill!
Seal and Crimp: Top with the remaining rectangles, press the edges with a fork to seal, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let them cool completely before icing.
Ice and Decorate: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies. Top with sprinkles while the icing is still wet.
Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they store beautifully for a few days—if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
These cookies are the definition of a fun dessert. Here’s how to enjoy them:
With Coffee or Tea: They’re a perfect afternoon treat with a cup of something warm.
At Parties: Display them on a colorful platter for a nostalgic twist that’ll spark conversation and compliments.
As a Gift: Package a few in a cute box or jar for a sweet homemade gift.
Frozen Treat: Pop them in the freezer and enjoy cold for a chewy, almost candy-bar-like bite.
Additional Tips
Chill the Dough: If your kitchen’s warm, chilling the dough for 30 minutes makes it easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Jam Options: Strawberry is classic, but feel free to experiment with any jam you love.
Gluten-Free?: You can swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with great results.
Storage Tips: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Make-Ahead Icing: Prepare your icing in advance and store it in the fridge—just give it a stir before drizzling.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought pastry dough instead of making the dough from scratch?
A1: Yes, that works in a pinch! Just make sure to seal the edges well so the jam doesn’t leak.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Just use a good gluten-free flour substitute that’s meant for baking.
Q3: Can I freeze these cookies?
A3: You sure can. Freeze after baking and cooling, then defrost and ice before serving.
Q4: Can I use other fillings besides jam?
A4: Yes! Nutella, peanut butter, or lemon curd are all delicious alternatives.
Q5: What if I don’t have sprinkles?
A5: No worries—try a dusting of cinnamon sugar or even crushed freeze-dried strawberries for color.
Q6: Can I make mini versions?
A6: Totally! Just adjust the bake time slightly—check them around the 10-minute mark.
Q7: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A7: Yes, it keeps in the fridge for 2 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
Q8: Do I need to refrigerate the cookies after icing?
A8: Not unless your kitchen is very warm. Otherwise, room temp is fine.
Q9: Can I skip the icing?
A9: Of course! They’re still delicious on their own, especially if you want a less-sweet version.
Q10: What’s the best way to get clean icing lines?
A10: Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped for precision drizzling.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are everything you didn’t know you needed: nostalgic, indulgent, easy, and downright adorable. Whether you’re making them to impress or just to treat yourself, they deliver that sweet, jam-filled happiness in every bite. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new staple in your baking rotation.
Print
Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are soft and buttery sugar cookies, packed with chopped Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts and colorful sprinkles, perfect for dessert lovers and nostalgic snack fans alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (285g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts, chopped
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5–7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Chop the Pop-Tarts into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until well creamed.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until the eggs are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on medium-low speed until mostly combined.
- Add in the chopped Pop-Tarts and sprinkles, and mix until evenly distributed and the dough comes together.
- Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough and place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Optionally, press additional Pop-Tart pieces on top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden on the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Mix powdered sugar with heavy cream to make a glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies. Garnish with more sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to cream properly with the sugar.
- You can customize the recipe with other Pop Tart flavors or different sprinkle varieties.
- Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg