If you love the nostalgia of Pop Tarts but want a homemade, fresh-baked twist, these Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are your new go-to treat. Soft, buttery sugar cookies filled with sweet strawberry jam make every bite a perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and fruity. Topped with a colorful sprinkle of icing and decorations, these cookies are ideal for easy dessert ideas, fun baking with kids, or quick weeknight sweet treats.
Baking these cookies brings out the irresistible aroma of buttery dough and strawberry jam, filling your kitchen with a scent that’s as comforting as it is mouthwatering. They’re perfect for affordable family desserts, holiday baking, or just a fun treat to enjoy any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun & Creative: Make jam-filled cookies that mimic classic Pop Tarts.
- Soft & Chewy: Buttery sugar cookie base that stays soft and tender.
- Kid-Friendly Baking: Easy enough for children to help shape and decorate.
- Customizable: Use your favorite jam flavors for endless variations.
- Perfect for Parties: Colorful and festive with icing and sprinkles.
- Quick Dessert Option: Ready in under an hour for fast homemade sweets.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups): Provides structure while keeping cookies soft and tender.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder (1 tsp & ½ tsp): Helps cookies rise slightly while keeping a light texture.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and a soft, chewy texture.
Granulated & Powdered Sugar (1 cup each): Granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure, powdered sugar keeps cookies soft.
Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) & Almond Extract (½ tsp optional): Adds depth and a subtle nutty sweetness to complement the strawberry jam.
Strawberry Jam (¾ cup): The star ingredient that fills the cookies with fruity, sweet flavor.
Sprinkles: Optional, for decoration and a fun pop of color.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pop Tart Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier and prevent spreading.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform size and even baking.
- Seal Edges Well: Press firmly with a fork to prevent jam from leaking during baking.
- Do Not Overfill: A teaspoon of jam is perfect—too much will make the cookies messy.
- Cool Before Decorating: Let cookies cool completely before icing for a cleaner finish.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Jam Flavors: Swap strawberry for raspberry, blueberry, or apricot preserves.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts in the dough.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg substitute.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies with:
- A glass of cold milk or warm cocoa.
- On a dessert platter for parties or school events.
- As part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and pastries.
- Decorated with colored icing and sprinkles for birthday parties.
These cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with easy party food ideas or quick family desserts.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Shape cookies and store unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours; bake fresh for maximum flavor.
- Storage: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
- Icing Storage: Store iced cookies separately from non-iced cookies to prevent smudging.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Pop Tarts have been a beloved American snack since the 1960s, offering convenience and sweetness in a handheld pastry. These homemade Pop Tart-inspired cookies take that classic idea and turn it into a fun baking project for families and kids. They combine nostalgia with the fresh, buttery flavor of homemade baking—perfect for traditional family treats or modern dessert tables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, unbaked cookies can be refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen for 2 months. Decorate after baking for best results.
Can I use other jam flavors?
Absolutely. Blueberry, raspberry, or apricot preserves work beautifully and add variety.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, it’s optional. Vanilla extract alone is sufficient, but almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor.
How do I prevent jam from leaking?
Use a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) and press edges tightly with a fork.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works perfectly. The texture remains soft and chewy.
Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten 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.
- 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.
