If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fun and nostalgic as it is delicious, Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a soft, buttery cookie packed with bits of real strawberry Pop-Tarts, a burst of strawberry jam in the center, and a sweet glaze with cheerful sprinkles on top. Each bite is pure happiness, combining the best of a childhood favorite breakfast treat and a classic bakery cookie. This recipe is perfect for bake sales, birthdays, or just because you want to make your day a little brighter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of everyday ingredients, Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies come together quickly, but each element plays a crucial role. From the creaminess of butter to the pop of strawberry flavor, every ingredient helps create that crave-worthy texture and playful look.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and ensures every bite melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the strawberry notes.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add richness for a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with warm, classic bakery notes.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure without weighing it down.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Assists with lift and helps the cookies bake up just right.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra puff for a pillowy, soft cookie.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
- Finely chopped strawberry Pop-Tarts (1 cup, about 2 pastries): The star ingredient for bursts of real strawberry and that signature Pop-Tart texture.
- Strawberry jam (1/2 cup): Brings a gooey, fruity surprise in the center of every cookie.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For creamy, melty pockets of sweetness (highly recommended!).
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Whips into a quick icing that makes the cookies look bakery-perfect.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Sprinkles (for decoration): Adds a pop of color and whimsy, making every cookie a mini party!
How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes and creates that soft, tender cookie base we all love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract. This helps the dough come together smoothly and infuses every bite with a warm, sweet aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Don’t overmix to keep your cookies nice and soft!
Step 5: Fold in Pop-Tarts and White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the finely chopped strawberry Pop-Tarts and white chocolate chips (if you’re using them) into the dough. These add delightful bursts of flavor and chewy, melty texture throughout the cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop out generous 2-tablespoon portions of the dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie, then add a small dollop of strawberry jam to each well for that signature gooey surprise.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden and the centers look set but soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Glaze and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cookies and immediately shower with sprinkles for that classic Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies finish. Let the glaze set before serving (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra pop of fun, finish each cookie with a generous drizzle of glaze and a scattering of colorful sprinkles. You can even add a few extra bits of chopped Pop-Tart on top for a playful look and a double dose of strawberry flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot mug of tea. For a more grown-up treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies on a tiered tray for a bake sale, or package them in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for a sweet gift. For parties, try arranging them in a circle with bowls of extra glaze and sprinkles so guests can decorate their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead for events or lunchbox treats.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked cookies (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 2 months; just thaw and add glaze and sprinkles before serving.
Reheating
To revive day-old cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes, just until warmed through. If you’ve frozen your cookies, let them thaw at room temperature, then reheat briefly and finish with glaze and sprinkles for that just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use other Pop-Tart flavors in this recipe?
Absolutely! Strawberry is classic, but blueberry, cherry, or even s’mores Pop-Tarts add a fun twist. Just chop them up and swap them in for the strawberry variety.
What’s the best way to chop Pop-Tarts for the dough?
Use a sharp knife to cut the Pop-Tarts into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for around 1/4-inch chunks so they distribute evenly and don’t overwhelm the cookie.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough (covered) for up to 24 hours. Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking for the best texture.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the colorful sprinkles and jam-filled center, and it’s a fun recipe to make together, especially when it’s time to decorate.
Do I need the glaze and sprinkles?
While optional, the glaze and sprinkles really make the Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies look and taste just like the breakfast treat that inspired them. But if you prefer a less-sweet cookie, you can skip them and still enjoy delicious results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a cookie that’s unique, playful, and completely irresistible, you have to try Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies. They bring back the best kind of childhood memories while still feeling fresh and exciting. Grab your favorite Pop-Tarts and get baking — these cookies are guaranteed to put a big smile on everyone’s face!
Print
Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining the nostalgic flavor of strawberry Pop-Tarts with a soft cookie base, a sweet jam center, and optional white chocolate chips. These cookies are perfect for fun desserts or snack time, offering a unique jam-filled treat that’s both colorful and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped strawberry Pop-Tarts (about 2 pastries)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
Glaze and Decoration (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Pop-Tarts and Chips: Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberry Pop-Tarts and white chocolate chips if using, integrating them evenly without breaking them down.
- Form Cookies and Add Jam: Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill with a small dollop of strawberry jam.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze, drizzle over the cooled cookies, and sprinkle with sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- For a fun variation, try using different Pop-Tart flavors such as blueberry or s’mores to switch up the flavor profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
