Name: Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 81 reviews

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats with a grown-up twist, this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine the buttery, tender crumb of a sugar cookie combined with sweet, jammy strawberry filling—just like your favorite childhood pop tart but irresistible as a homemade cookie. These cookies are perfect for sharing at cozy gatherings or simply indulging in an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for baking arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center is a white bowl full of fresh, whole strawberries with green tops. Above it, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour and another clear bowl filled with white sugar beside two sticks of unsalted butter. To the right of the strawberries is a half lemon and two eggs resting on a teal cloth. Below the strawberries is a clear bowl piled with white powdered sugar. Around these main items, there are smaller clear containers with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. A small bottle of vanilla extract and a small glass of milk are near the bottom center. A gold teaspoon with colorful round sprinkles lies near the flour, with a single strawberry off to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in simple, familiar ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor, from the rich butter that gives the cookies their softness to the strawberry preserves that add that classic, fruity pop. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The sturdy foundation that gives the cookies structure without making them tough.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, airy bite.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Provides additional lift alongside the soda for the perfect texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and tenderness; don’t skip the softening step!
Granulated sugar (1 cup): For that classic sweetness and a slight crunch on the outside.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Helps keep the dough tender and adds a silky sweetness.
Large eggs (2): The binding agents that bring all the ingredients together smoothly.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A warm, fragrant undertone that makes these cookies irresistible.
Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that beautifully complements the strawberry.
Strawberry jam or preserves (¾ cup): The star of the show, filling each cookie with luscious, fruity goodness.
Sprinkles (for decoration): A festive touch that turns these cookies into a joyful treat.

How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which leads to consistent texture in every bite. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This process takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture these cookies are known for. Take your time here; the fluffier the batter, the better the result.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Flavors

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, creamy dough. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and the optional almond extract, which gives an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberry jam.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed just until the dough comes together. Overmixing at this stage can result in tough cookies, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour.

Step 5: Shape and Fill Your Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc approximately 2 inches in diameter. Carefully press a small well in the center of half these discs. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the strawberry jam into each well—this is where your pop tart magic happens!

Step 6: Assemble and Seal the Cookies

Take the remaining plain dough discs and place them over the jam-filled ones. Press the edges together and seal by crimping gently with a fork. This not only ensures the filling stays inside but also adds a charming homemade detail to your cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, then bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches

For an extra special touch, drizzle icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies, and top with colorful sprinkles. This step isn’t just for looks—it adds a sweet glaze that makes every bite delightful.

How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows three steps of decorating round sugar cookies with white frosting and colorful sprinkles on a white marbled surface. In the first step, a woman's hand is whisking a bowl of smooth, white frosting, with a tray of plain, light beige round cookies nearby. In the second step, a woman's hand holds a cookie while a spoon spreads the thick, creamy white frosting evenly over the top, creating a smooth layer with swirls. In the third step, a woman's hand sprinkles tiny, round, multicolored sprinkles over the glossy white frosting on the cookies, which sit on brown parchment paper on a baking tray, with some plain cookies visible around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies look stunning dusted lightly with powdered sugar or adorned with a glossy fruit glaze. Fresh strawberry slices placed alongside can highlight the flavors beautifully as well, adding a fresh burst of color and flavor that complements the jam-filled centers.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair marvelously with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving at a party, consider setting them next to a bowl of fresh berries or vanilla whipped cream to enhance their fruity notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, arrange Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter with pastel-colored sprinkles and edible flowers for a whimsical touch. You can also package them in cute boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts that will surely brighten anyone’s day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—perfect for making ahead for events or just to have on hand for a sweet treat anytime.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep these cookies longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving for a freshly baked taste whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the texture rubbery rather than crispy on the edges.

FAQs

Can I use different fruit jams instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! While this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe shines with strawberry jam, you can swap in raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry preserves to create your own flavor twist.

Is the almond extract necessary?

Not at all. The almond extract is optional and adds a subtle nutty depth, but the cookies will be delicious with just the vanilla extract as well.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This resting time actually helps develop better flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?

Be sure to seal the cookie edges tightly by crimping with a fork to keep the filling contained. Using a small well to hold the jam also helps reduce spills while baking.

Can I decorate these cookies without icing?

Definitely! The sprinkles alone add a festive vibe, and a simple dusting of powdered sugar works wonderfully for a more understated finish.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again. They’re the perfect blend of nostalgic sweetness and homemade goodness that brings joy with every bite. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and enjoy making a batch of these utterly delightful cookies—you’ll be so glad you did!