These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. They’re soft and sweet with a delicious strawberry jam center. Perfect for snack time or dessert, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your family table. They are simple to make, making them great for baking with kids or for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookies combine the fun of pop tarts with the comfort of warm sugar cookies. They are not only easy to make but also use everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. With minimal prep and baking time, they’re perfect for a quick family treat. Plus, kids love helping out, making this a fun project for everyone.

How to Make These Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. You will mix up a simple dough, fill it with sweet strawberry jam, and bake until golden. If you’ve never baked cookies before, this recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving, so don’t worry!

What You Need

Ingredients for 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)

Step-by-Step

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.

How to Serve These Cookies

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own or with a drizzle of icing and a sprinkle of colorful toppings. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They’re great for birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner.

How to Store These Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week this way. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender.
If you prefer a different flavor, try using other fruit jams or preserves.
For a more buttery flavor, use all granulated sugar instead of mixing with powdered sugar.
Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they can go from golden to burnt quickly!

Variations & Swaps

Fruit Flavors: Swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or cherry for a different taste.
Nut-Free: Omit the almond extract to make it nut-free.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs.
Oatmeal Filling: Add a dollop of oatmeal filling for a twist that’s great for breakfast!
Chocolate Version: Mix in some mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking it. Just let it soften a bit at room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container.

How do I reheat them?
You can reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Is there a substitute for strawberry jam?
Sure! Feel free to use any fruit jam or even chocolate spread for a different flavor twist.

What mistakes should I avoid?
Make sure not to overbake the cookies. They should be just lightly golden on the edges. Also, ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results.

Enjoy baking these cookies and creating sweet memories with your family!