Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

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Discover the delightful charm of the Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe, a joyful twist on a childhood favorite that brings nostalgic pop tart flavors into a soft, chewy cookie form. These cookies combine a buttery dough with vibrant bursts of freeze-dried strawberries, rich white chocolate chips, and a luscious strawberry jam center, all finished with a sweet, creamy glaze that would make any dessert lover’s heart sing. Perfect for sharing or savoring as a personal treat, this recipe delivers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that feel both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these spectacular Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the fluffy texture of the dough to the sweet and tangy strawberry accents that truly make this cookie special.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base giving the cookies their tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with slight crispness around the edges.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings depth of flavor and moisture for that perfect chewy texture.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to keep all ingredients perfectly combined.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp for glaze): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies, balancing softness and bite.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise gently while keeping them light.
• Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Works alongside baking powder to create a tender texture.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Elevates all flavors, keeping the sweetness from becoming flat.
• Freeze-dried strawberries (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Offers intense natural strawberry flavor and a fun crunch.
• White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds creamy bursts of sweetness that melt beautifully into the dough.
• Strawberry jam or preserves (1/2 cup): The gooey, fruity center that gives these cookies their pop tart magic.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for the glaze, delivering a dreamy sweetness and smooth finish.
• Milk (2 tbsp, or more as needed): Thins out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Pink food coloring (optional): Adds a festive, playful touch to your glaze.
• Sprinkles (optional): For that extra whimsical sparkle on top.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that results in that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients bring structure to the cookies, ensuring they rise gently without becoming dense. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture — this slow incorporation will help maintain the dough’s tenderness.

Step 3: Fold in Flavor

Carefully fold in the finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips. These additions are where the magic happens — the strawberries add a delightful tang and visual appeal, while the white chocolate chips provide creamy sweet pockets throughout.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll about 2 tablespoons of dough into a ball, then flatten it slightly and use your thumb or a small spoon to indent the center of the cookie. Add a small dollop of strawberry jam in the center, then carefully seal the jam inside by pinching the dough around it and reshaping into a smooth ball. This step replicates the classic pop tart’s fruity heart beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden hue. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set the jam center, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Mix together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies, and before it sets, sprinkle on your choice of sprinkles for an extra festive finish. This glaze not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies that signature pop tart look and appeal.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, add fresh strawberry slices or a small dollop of extra jam on the side when serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the trays of cookies can also elevate their look and hint at the sweetness within.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For brunch or special occasions, you can serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness and add freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe in a stacked tower tied with a pastel ribbon for gift-giving or as a playful centerpiece at dessert tables. Alternatively, serve them alongside mini jars of strawberry jam for guests to share and spread on toast, adding an interactive element to your gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess. If you want to retain freshness, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by laying them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before glazing if needed.

Reheating

Warm the cookies gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Avoid overheating, which can melt the glaze and alter the delightful texture. Reheating is perfect for making these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe treats taste just baked, even days later.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

While fresh strawberries are delicious, freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor and texture without extra moisture, which helps keep the dough consistent. Using fresh strawberries may require adjusting the dough slightly to avoid sogginess.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the strawberry flavor and sweetness will still shine through beautifully.

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate chips work well too if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. Alternatively, chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and complement the strawberry jam nicely.

What if I don’t have pink food coloring for the glaze?

No worries at all! The glaze tastes delicious with or without coloring. You can also try natural pink hues by mixing in a small amount of pureed strawberries or beet juice for a pretty and natural tint.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to seal the dough around the jam carefully and reshape it into a smooth ball. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help the cookies hold their shape and keep the jam inside perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a sweet project that delivers fun, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia, this Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe is one you simply cannot miss. From the tender, buttery dough studded with strawberries and white chocolate, to the gooey jam center and glossy glaze, every bite is a delight. Get your apron on and dive into making these charming cookies—you’ll be amazed at how they quickly become a beloved treat in your kitchen!

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Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 90 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 20 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies that combine the nostalgic flavors of classic pop tarts with the texture of a soft cookie. Filled with strawberry jam and studded with freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips, these cookies are topped with a sweet pink glaze and optional sprinkles, making them perfect for a fun and delicious treat.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Filling

• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (add more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough: Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the dough.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined with the creamed butter and sugars.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
4. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold the chopped freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips into the dough for bursts of flavor and texture.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Shape Cookies: Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into a ball, flatten slightly, and create an indentation in the center for the filling.
8. Add Filling and Seal: Place a small dollop of strawberry jam in the indentation, seal it by folding the edges over the filling, and reshape into a smooth ball to encase the jam fully.
9. Arrange Cookies: Space the cookies 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
10. Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
12. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring to create a smooth, spreadable glaze.
13. Decorate: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired before the glaze sets for a festive finish.

Notes

• Use freeze-dried strawberries rather than fresh to maintain a concentrated flavor and prevent excess moisture in the dough.
• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best texture in the dough.
• Seal the jam filling carefully to avoid leakage during baking.
• Adjust milk quantity in glaze to achieve desired consistency for drizzling or spreading.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American