Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could transform the nostalgic joy of a strawberry Pop Tart into a totally irresistible cookie, then you’re going to adore this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe. These buttery, soft sugar cookies are generously filled with sweet strawberry jam and crowned with colorful sprinkles, bringing a perfect balance of classic flavors and fun textures. They’re easy to make, bake up beautifully, and disappear even faster—whether it’s an afternoon treat, a party surprise, or a charming homemade gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple pantry staples is all it takes to create magic here. Every ingredient plays its role in building that tender, flavorful cookie with just the right hint of vanilla and almond, and the luscious strawberry filling truly makes these pop tart-inspired treats shine.

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for your cookies to hold their shape.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently while keeping them soft.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Adds a touch of lift for lightness in each bite.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The richness and creaminess that create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Blends in for a tender crumb and extra sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor that ties the dough together.
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional): A subtle nutty note that elevates the strawberry’s brightness beautifully.
• ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves: The star of the show, bringing juicy sweetness and that unmistakable pop tart filling vibe.
• Sprinkles (for topping): Adds fun color and a festive finish that invites smiles with every bite.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This small prep step ensures your cookies will bake evenly and look perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is key for that soft, tender texture in your finished cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This takes a few minutes but is totally worth it for that dreamy texture and sweet base flavor that everyone will love.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated for smooth dough. Then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. This combo will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma and add depth to the cookie dough’s flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. The dough will come together into a soft ball, which is perfect for shaping. Avoid overmixing here to keep those cookies tender, not tough.

Step 6: Shape, Fill, and Seal

Use about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each portion. Flatten each piece slightly, then spoon a small dollop of the strawberry jam right in the center. Top with another flattened dough piece and gently press the edges together to seal the jam inside. This step is what makes these cookies true strawberry pop tart sugar cookies—jam-filled delights with that perfect pocket of sweetness in every bite.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place your assembled cookies on the lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow room for gentle spreading without sticking together.

Step 8: Decorate and Bake

Sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top of each cookie for a cheerful, festive look. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. This timing ensures they stay tender in the center but have a slight crispness on the outside.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Once baked, transfer the cookies carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial so the jam sets nicely inside and your cookies hold their shape beautifully when you bite in.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While sprinkles are a classic and eye-catching choice, feel free to dust your cookies with a little powdered sugar or drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. These simple touches add extra sweetness and an elegant finish, perfect if you’re gifting these treats.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich hot chocolate, or a bright cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint. The creamy or soothing beverages balance the sweet, fruity notes while making your snack time feel a little more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter with fresh strawberries and edible flowers for a stunning dessert spread. Or layer them in a decorative tin wrapped with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that’s sure to impress everyone you share it with.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps retain their softness and ensures the strawberry jam filling stays delightfully gooey without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container once solid. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies and bring back their fresh-baked charm, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the cookie and reactivates the fragrant jam center beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other jam flavors?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam perfectly captures that pop tart feeling, raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot preserves work deliciously well. Just pick your favorite or try a mix for fun flavor combos.

Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder?

Using both gives your cookies a perfect rise and tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidic ingredients for a slight lift, while baking powder provides additional leavening, creating that ideal soft texture.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, almond extract is optional but highly recommended for its subtle nutty flavor that complements the strawberry jam beautifully. If you don’t have any, just stick with vanilla extract for a classic taste.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges of the cookies well by gently pressing the dough pieces together around the filling. Chilling the dough slightly before shaping can also help minimize spreading and leakage during baking.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

You can experiment with plant-based butter and egg substitutes, but it might affect the texture and flavor slightly. For best results and that classic sugar cookie softness, the original recipe is ideal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these marvelous Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe cookies soon. They’re more than just a nostalgic treat; they’re a joyful, delicious crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. Baking and sharing them is sure to brighten your day and those lucky enough to taste them!

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