Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies (Printable)
Buttery jam-filled sugar cookies glazed and sprinkled for a playful, nostalgic treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
06 - ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Filling
09 - ½ cup strawberry jam
→ Glaze and Decoration
10 - 1 cup powdered sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Red or pink food coloring (optional)
14 - Rainbow sprinkles for decorating
# How-To Steps:
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 butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of dough. Pinch the edges together to seal completely and gently roll into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining dough and jam.
06 - Place the filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
07 - Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet 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 thickened. Spread the glaze over each cooled cookie and top with rainbow sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The jam center oozes ever so slightly when you break one open and that surprise factor alone is worth the effort.
- They look wildly impressive but the dough comes together with basic pantry staples and zero fancy technique.
02 -
- Seal those edges like your reputation depends on it because jam will find any gap and burn on the pan.
- Wait until the cookies are completely cool before glazing or the icing will melt right off into a puddle.
03 -
- Chill the assembled dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their round shape and reduce spreading.
- Use a slightly thicker jam or one with fewer large fruit pieces so the filling stays put inside each cookie.