Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies (Printable)
Jam-filled butter cookies with sweet glaze and sprinkles, inspired by classic strawberry Pop Tarts.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Filling
09 - 1/2 cup strawberry jam
→ Glaze and Decoration
10 - 1 cup powdered sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Red or pink food coloring (optional)
14 - Rainbow sprinkles for decorating
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
05 - Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Pinch the edges together to seal completely and gently roll into a smooth ball. Repeat with all remaining dough and jam.
06 - Place the filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
07 - Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a drop of food coloring if desired, until smooth and slightly thick. Spread the glaze over each cooled cookie and top with rainbow sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That gooey strawberry jam center surprises everyone who bites into one, and watching peoples faces light up never gets old.
- The dough comes together with ingredients you probably already have, no specialty shopping required.
- Kids lose their minds over the sprinkles, but honestly adults reach for seconds just as fast.
02 -
- Seal those cookie edges like your reputation depends on it, because jam leaks will burn and stick and you will be scrubbing parchment instead of eating cookies.
- I learned the hard way that warm cookies melt the glaze right off, so patience while they cool completely saves you from a sticky puddle situation.
03 -
- Chill the assembled dough balls for fifteen minutes before baking and they will hold their shape better with less spreading.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions so every cookie bakes evenly and looks like it came from a professional kitchen.