Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of your favorite childhood snack with the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only visually appealing with their colorful sprinkles but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe will surely impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only a few steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet strawberry jam filling paired with the buttery cookie creates a heavenly taste.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the jam for other flavors or add your favorite toppings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for birthdays, holidays, or simply as an afternoon snack.
- Fun for Kids: Involve your little ones in making these cookies, making it a fun family activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve light and fluffy dough quickly, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.
- Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 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)
For the Filling and Decoration
- ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together:
– Softened butter
– Granulated sugar
– Powdered sugar
Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition. Then stir in:
– Vanilla extract
– Optional: Almond extract
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc about 2 inches wide, creating a small well in the center of half of them.
Step 7: Add Strawberry Jam
Fill each well with approximately 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
Step 8: Seal Cookies
Place another disc on top of each jam-filled disc. Seal the edges by crimping them with a fork.
Step 9: Bake
Place your cookies in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 10: Decorate (Optional)
For an extra treat, drizzle icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over cooled cookies, then sprinkle colorful decorations on top.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
These delightful Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies can be served in various ways to enhance their charm and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these treats.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness of the cookies and offers a refreshing contrast.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange them alongside other cookies, brownies, and mini pastries for a colorful dessert spread perfect for gatherings.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy texture that complements the strawberry jam filling.
With Fresh Strawberries
- Serve with fresh strawberries on the side for a fruity burst that harmonizes with the cookie’s flavors.
Drizzled with Icing
- For an extra sweet touch, drizzle icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cookies before serving.
How to Perfect Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape and improve texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better incorporation.
Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can make them dry.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when edges are lightly golden for a soft texture.
Experiment with Fillings: Try different fruit jams or preserves to customize each batch to your liking and keep things exciting.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their sweet taste. Consider these options:
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing, light side that enhances the fruity notes in the cookies.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve warm melted chocolate on the side for dipping, creating a rich flavor combination.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delightful contrast in textures alongside your cookies.
Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage brings out their buttery flavor while providing balance.
Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone can add a creamy richness that pairs well with sweet treats like these cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies can be a fun experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the cookie’s texture. Always use proper measuring cups and spoons.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking. Make sure to refrigerate if instructed in the recipe.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly baked cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Using Old Ingredients: Stale baking soda or flour won’t yield good results. Check expiration dates before starting your recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Label the bag with the date for reference.
Reheating Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes for optimal taste and texture.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for 10-15 seconds, keeping them soft.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies that may help you in your baking journey.
Can I use other types of jam?
Yes! Feel free to substitute strawberry jam with other flavors like raspberry or apricot for a different twist.
How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make dairy-free Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies, substitute unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you prefer not to use almond extract, vanilla extract works well as a substitute without altering the flavor significantly.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I decorate these cookies differently?
Absolutely! Get creative with icing colors and sprinkle choices to match any occasion or personal preference!
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different jams or sprinkles based on your taste preferences. Give these sweet treats a try; they’re sure to bring nostalgia and joy to anyone who indulges!
Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the nostalgia of childhood with our Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies. These delightful treats marry the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies with a sweet strawberry jam filling, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, snack time, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day, these cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate with colorful sprinkles. Involve your family in the baking process for a memorable kitchen adventure that everyone will enjoy!
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and both sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten into discs, and create wells in half.
- Fill each well with approximately 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam and top with another disc to seal.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg