Get ready to meet your new favorite nostalgic treat: Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies! Imagine a soft, buttery cookie studded with bits of real Pop Tarts and sweet white chocolate, all crowned with a glaze and cheerful sprinkles. If you’ve ever wanted to capture the playful magic of childhood breakfasts in a bake that’s perfect for parties, afternoon snacks, or just “because,” these colorful cookies absolutely deliver. With swirls of strawberry jam and those irresistible Pop Tart pieces, every bite is a celebration. Grab your mixing bowl—this is one recipe you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies is bursting with simple staples and a few fun add-ins. Each component enhances the flavor, texture, or visual appeal, working together for a cookie that’s truly irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for thick, chewy cookies.
- Baking soda: A touch of this helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives a rich, creamy base and that irresistible buttery taste.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookies bake up tender with crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds a deeper sweetness and extra moisture for moist, soft centers.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and lends structure for that classic cookie bite.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes everything taste like a bakery treat.
- Strawberry jam: Swirled gently for bursts of sweet, fruity flavor in every bite.
- Finely chopped strawberry Pop Tarts (about 2 pastries): Adds signature strawberry flavor, playful texture, and lots of nostalgia.
- White chocolate chips: Creamy sweetness balances the tangy jam and crunchy Pop Tart bits.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Ensures a smooth, sweet drizzle that hardens just right.
- Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze with warmth and depth.
- Rainbow sprinkles: A playful, colorful finish that adds a bit of crunch and a big smile.
How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only keeps the cookies from sticking but also makes for easy cleanup. With your oven heating up, you’re already on the way to Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies bliss.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. This dry blend is the foundation for your cookie dough, ensuring every cookie bakes up soft on the inside and golden at the edges.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer set on medium speed, and keep going until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until completely incorporated into the creamed mixture. This creates a silky, cohesive base for your dough, ready to welcome those dry ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the flour disappears. This is the secret to cookies that stay delightfully tender—don’t overwork the dough!
Step 6: Fold in the Fun
Here’s where the magic happens: gently fold in the strawberry jam, chopped Pop Tarts, and white chocolate chips. Go easy—don’t fully blend the jam. Those streaks of strawberry swirling through each scoop of dough are what make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies pop with color and tang.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers look just slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes (they’ll finish setting), then transfer to a wire rack. For the irresistible finish, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a silky glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cookies, then shower them with rainbow sprinkles. Let them set until the glaze is firm before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
Garnishes
If you want to take your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies to the next level, try adding a few extra bits of Pop Tart or a little dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder atop the glaze. Don’t skip the rainbow sprinkles—they’re the smile-inducing finish everyone loves!
Side Dishes
A cold glass of milk is a classic partner, but Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh strawberry fruit salad. For coffee lovers, these cookies add a playful touch to any afternoon coffee or tea break.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack the cookies in a tall glass jar or display them on a bright, sprinkles-themed platter. Make a “cookie sandwich” by spreading a thin layer of extra strawberry jam between two cookies, or gift-wrap a few in colored parchment for a sweet, homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cooled and glazed Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, with the perfect Pop Tart bites in every mouthful.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by layering them (separated with wax or parchment paper) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. If you prefer, freeze unbaked dough scoops and bake fresh as the craving strikes, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
While these cookies are delicious at room temp, you can warm them for a few seconds in the microwave or briefly in a low oven for that just-baked texture. If they’re glazed, reheat gently and watch they don’t over-melt.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of Pop Tarts?
Absolutely! Mix it up with raspberry, blueberry, or even brown sugar cinnamon Pop Tarts for your own twist. Just note the flavor will shift depending on your pick, but every version is fun and delicious.
Is it OK to use low-sugar or natural strawberry jam?
Yes, you can use your favorite jam—whether it’s low sugar, homemade, or a different berry—just make sure it’s thick enough to swirl without making the dough too wet.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Don’t overbake! Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers look slightly puffy and underbaked. Cooling on the tray helps them finish perfectly soft and chewy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the dough (minus the jam for best swirl) up to 48 hours in advance. Chill, then let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before folding in jam, Pop Tarts, and baking fresh.
How much glaze should I use on each cookie?
There’s no wrong answer here! A generous drizzle is traditional, but if you love a really sweet cookie, double-glaze or even dip half the cookie in. Just be sure to let glaze set before stacking.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies before, I can’t think of a better time to bake up a batch. They’re joyful, nostalgic, and full of fun surprises in each bite. Whether you share them at a party or keep them for quiet moments, these cookies are guaranteed to bring on the smiles. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a swirl of strawberry jam, chopped Pop Tarts, and white chocolate chips. Topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a fun and flavorful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberry Pop Tarts (about 2 pastries)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Gently fold in the strawberry jam, chopped Pop Tarts, and white chocolate chips.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and top with sprinkles. Let glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, use strawberry-flavored white chocolate chips or add a few drops of strawberry extract.
- You can also swap the jam for raspberry or cherry for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
