I can’t help but share my absolute love for Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies! These delightful little treats are a wonderful mix of nostalgia and indulgence, all wrapped up in one bite-sized package. I remember as a kid, rushing to the kitchen to devour those flaky, sugary Pop Tarts right out of the box. Okay, let’s be real; I still do that! But when I discovered I could merge that childhood favorite with cookie-making magic, it was a game changer.
What makes these cookies so special, you ask? Well, they are like a warm hug from the past — soft cookie dough enveloping a gooey strawberry filling with a sweet glaze on top. Trust me, every time I bake these, I get transported back to a sunny Saturday morning, lounging around in my pajamas. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!
What’s in Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is your backbone for the cookies! I love using all-purpose flour for that perfect balance between chewy and sturdy.
Sugar: A combination of granulated and powdered sugar gives these cookies the right sweetness and a lovely texture when glazed.
Baking Powder: This little magic powder helps the cookies rise beautifully and keeps them from being too dense.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors – trust me on this one!
Butter: I use unsalted butter for the rich, buttery flavor, and I always remember to let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
Egg: One egg is all you need to bind these cookies together and help them rise.
Vanilla Extract: The aromatic essence of vanilla elevates the flavor profile of these cookies to a whole new level!
Strawberry Preserves: This is where the magic happens! Using high-quality strawberry preserves adds that sweet and fruity filling, reminiscent of the classic Pop Tart.
Glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or water gives these cookies the classic Pop Tart finishing touch.
Is Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s not kid ourselves — these cookies are a delightful indulgence rather than a health food! But every treat can have its perks:
Butter: While it adds richness, it’s also a source of fat. Moderation is key, but butter can actually provide some essential vitamins.
Strawberry Preserves: Strawberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Choosing a preserve with real fruit can add a touch of nutrition.
Consuming them in moderation is important, especially since they’re sugary and buttery. So treat yourself to one (or two) while still enjoying some fruits and veggies throughout your day!
Ingredients List
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup strawberry preserves
– For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2-4 tablespoons milk or water
These quantities should yield about 24 cookies, depending on how big you like to make ’em!
How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll out half of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out shapes (I love squares, but you do you!).
6. Place half the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets and spoon about a teaspoon of strawberry preserves onto the center of each cookie.
7. Roll out the other half of the dough and cut out matching shapes. Place them over the cookies with the preserves and gently seal the edges with a fork.
8. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
9. While they cool, mix your glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations
– Try swapping out strawberry for your favorite fruit preserves, like raspberry or apricot, to mix things up!
– If you want a little more texture, mix in some finely crushed graham crackers into the dough for a little crunch.
– Mix in some rainbow sprinkles for a fun and festive look that’s perfect for parties.
– These cookies are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for about a week… if they last that long!
I genuinely hope you give these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies a try! They have become a regular on my baking list, and watching loved ones enjoy them brings such joy. If you do make them, share your experience with me — I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Happy baking!
