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Pop Tart Cookies Recipe: Easy Homemade Strawberry Nostalgia Treats

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These pop tart cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of classic strawberry pop tarts with the comfort of a soft, chewy homemade cookie. Packed with gooey strawberry filling and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (160g) strawberry preserves or jam
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for runny jam)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 teaspoons rainbow sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes with a mixer, 5 minutes by hand).
  3. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. In a small bowl, stir strawberry preserves with cornstarch if jam is runny. Set aside.
  7. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten slightly, and place 1 teaspoon of strawberry filling in the center. Fold dough around filling to seal and roll gently into a ball.
  8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until edges are just golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
  10. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and top with sprinkles while glaze is wet.
  12. Let glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if too sticky. Seal dough well around jam to prevent leaking. Use thick preserves or add cornstarch to runny jam. For bakery-style look, add a dab of extra jam after baking. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pop tart cookies, strawberry cookies, nostalgic dessert, homemade cookies, easy baking, kid-friendly, party treats, vanilla glaze, stuffed cookies, jam cookies