Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are an inviting treat that captures the essence of nostalgia in every bite. These cookies bring a delightful crunch to your palate, while the sweet aroma of strawberries wafts through the kitchen, making the entire experience irresistible. The vibrant pink filling encased in golden cookies offers a stunning visual treat, making them perfect for gatherings or simply to brighten your day. Easy to make with pantry staples, they embrace seasonal flavors beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are a delicious choice for parties, holidays, or a cozy afternoon treat. Their fun and whimsical appearance will delight both kids and adults, while their sweet, buttery flavor keeps everyone coming back for more. These cookies are not only convenient to whip up, but they also offer versatile flavor options, allowing you to swap out the strawberry jam for other fruits if desired. For more easy and delicious recipes. For further inspiration, visit the Kitchn.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
Strawberries, often considered the quintessential summer fruit, burst with vibrant red hues and a sweet, juicy essence that instantly elevates any dish. These luscious berries, picked at their peak, bring a refreshing aroma and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich buttery cookies. Their soft texture combined with the tender crunch of the cookie creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that truly honors the beauty of seasonal ingredients. Embrace the vibrant colors of fresh fruit, knowing you’re indulging in something sustainable and delicious.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delectable Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
These ingredients come together to create a rich, buttery cookie with a delightful strawberry center. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using almond flour for a gluten-free version, or a different type of jam for a unique flavor twist.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This step enhances the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). The mixture should look pale and airy, filling the kitchen with a buttery aroma.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. The batter will become creamy and aromatic as you combine these ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a 2-inch disc and create a small well in the center. This is where you’ll place the jam, giving you the perfect cookie pocket.
Step 7: Add Strawberry Jam
Fill half of the cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam in the well. This sweet filling adds a delightful burst of flavor.
Step 8: Seal and Bake
Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc, sealing and crimping the edges with a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. The smell of baking cookies will envelop your kitchen beautifully.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optional: Drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk, then decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.
Step Examples
Prepare the Base — Gather all ingredients and ensure butter is softened. This will allow for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
Mix the Ingredients — Combine all dry and wet ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a consistent texture throughout. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
Shape or Cook — Create discs and ensure jam is evenly nestled. Aim for uniformity in size for even baking.
Finish or Garnish — Drizzle icing on cooled cookies and cover with colorful sprinkles, enhancing their visual appeal.
Serve and Enjoy — Finally, take a bite and experience the delightful harmony of buttery cookie and sweet strawberry jam!
Essential Tools
Here are some essential tools you’ll need to create these scrumptious cookies:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk and muscle)
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (optional for uniformity)
These tools will help facilitate a smooth baking process and produce evenly baked cookies.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
For make-ahead options, prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze shaped but unbaked cookies for up to three months. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring you preserve their delightful flavor and texture.
Perfect Pairings
Pair your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies with a glass of ice-cold milk or a hot cup of tea for a delightful treat. These cookies can also be served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert presentation. Their vibrant colors make for a stunning visual display that’s sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (one cookie):
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Dough Too Dry — If your dough feels too dry, add a splash of milk until pliable. This will create a smoother consistency for easier shaping.
Chocolate Coating Breaks — If you’re dipping in chocolate, ensure it’s warm and smoothly melted to avoid cracking during coating.
Unevenly Shaped Balls — Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size and baking for even results.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Let your butter sit out until soft; this will yield a lighter, fluffier cookie.
- Use fresh strawberries for a more intense flavor if you’re making jam from scratch.
- Experiment with different flavors for the jam filling, such as raspberry or peach, for a fun twist that will keep the recipe fresh.
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a citrus twist.
- Substitute almond extract with orange extract for a refreshing flavor change.
- Use different berry jams to personalize each batch based on your taste preferences and seasonal availability.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten and dairy. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free adaptation. Additionally, make sure to check your jam for any allergens or added sugars.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
2. How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
3. Can I use a different flavor of jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors, such as raspberry, blackberry, or apricot, to customize your cookies.
4. How long will these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, the cookies will last about one week at room temperature.
5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out, preserving their soft texture and sweet flavor.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are not only irresistibly delicious but also a fun project to whip up with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, they are bound to bring joy to any occasion. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures or join the community. Happy baking!
Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
Delightful cookies with a vibrant pink strawberry center, perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.
Dry Ingredients
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Filling and Decoration
- 0.75 cups strawberry jam or preserves
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Mixing Dough
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a 2-inch disc and create a small well in the center.
- Fill half of the cookie discs with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam in the well.
Baking
- Top each jam-filled cookie with another disc, sealing and crimping the edges with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk, then decorate with sprinkles.
These cookies can also be made with different types of jam or with almond flour for a gluten-free option. For a fun twist, add lemon zest to the dough or substitute almond extract with orange extract.
