Delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies To Brighten Your Dessert Table

I can’t wait to tell you about the time I first whipped up these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies—it was one of those kitchen moments where the smell alone made the whole house melt. The sweet scent of strawberry filling mixed with buttery cookie dough drifted through the air, making my kids hover around the kitchen island like little birds waiting to snag a crumb. Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies quickly became our weekend treat, especially because they remind me of those childhood Pop Tarts I loved but with a homemade twist that I could actually feel good about feeding my family.

It wasn’t all smooth baking at first; I’ll be honest, my first batch of Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies was a little too crispy on the edges and the filling oozed out everywhere. But with a bit of tweaking, I learned exactly how to handle that precious strawberry filling in these homemade pop tart cookies so it stayed perfectly nestled inside. Life gets busy, and I know how tricky it is to carve out time for something this fun and sweet. What I adore about these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies is their simple ingredients and the fact they come together easily enough for even those rushed school mornings or last-minute playdate snacks.

If you’ve been hunting for a pop tart inspired treat that’s all the joy of your favorite childhood snack but with the rich, soft texture of a cookie, this recipe is a little gem. I’m so eager to share how to make these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies with you—think of it as us baking side by side, swapping stories of kitchen wins and sweet mishaps. Before you know it, your house will smell just as inviting as mine does every time I make these sweet fruit cookies, and your family will be begging for “just one more.”

By the way, if you ever wonder about baking and cookie secrets, I found this lovely take on buttery brown sugar cinnamon pop tart cookies that pairs beautifully with the strawberry version. And if you’re curious about how brown sugar can actually change your cookies’ texture, this little read I turned to might be just the thing for your next Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies batch. Ready to get your hands cookie-dirty? Let’s do this with my favorite recipe for Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies.

Ingredients:

To get started on these dreamy Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, you’ll want your pantry stocked with simple, high-quality ingredients that make all the difference. For the dough, I always use 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour—tried and true for perfect cookie texture every time. The secret to softness for our Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies is 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temp, which I pick up in bulk to save a few bucks since sweet fruit cookies need that creamy richness.

For sweetness, 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar is my go-to, especially because I learned that brown sugar gives Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies a lovely chewiness, not too crunchy. If you’re ever wondering whether you need brown sugar or if white sugar would do, I’ve got a neat little guide on what if you don’t have brown sugar for cookies that’s saved me more than once when I ran out.

You’ll want 1/2 cup granulated sugar too, plus 1 large egg to bring everything together. I toss in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract because, well, vanilla is magical in Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies. As for the pop tart inspired treats’ signature, 1/2 teaspoon salt keeps the sweetness balanced, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder helps the cookies rise just right.

Of course, the star of strawberry filling cookies is the 3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves—a homemade pop tart cookies batch feels incomplete without that luscious strawberry scent and flavor baked right inside. When I’m short on time, I sometimes use store-bought jam, but feel free to go wild with chunky jams or smooth jams—your call. Sometimes my kids even ask for a swirl of raspberry jam for a little twist.

You can certainly swap the strawberry filling with blueberry or apricot jam if you want to experiment. Both are delicious variations of homemade pop tart cookies that my family enjoys, and it keeps the recipe fresh for every occasion. For easy prep, I store my jam in fridge-friendly portions so I can grab exactly what I need for Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies on a hectic morning.

Also, if you’re curious about more ingredient hacks while baking these sweet fruit cookies, pop over to Cookies for Days’ pop tart cookie bar recipe—they have great insights on different fillings and dough options that might inspire your next batch.

Ingredients for Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies laid out on marble surface

How to Make – Step by Step

1. First up, preheat your oven to 350°F—that’s the golden temp for perfectly baked Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies. While the oven warms, mix your softened butter with both sugars until they’re fluffy and light; this step is key to getting cookies that are tender and sweet without falling apart.

2. Next, add the egg and vanilla to your sugar and butter mix, beating it until smooth. This simple mix sets the base for your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies dough. If you aren’t sure about the texture here, this guide about brown sugar in cookies will help you understand your dough’s feel. Don’t rush this part; a good mix means cookies with great structure.

3. Slowly blend in your flour, baking powder, and salt until it just comes together—don’t overmix or your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies will turn out tough instead of tender. I always keep an eye for the dough’s texture at this step; you want it slightly crumbly but still sticky enough to hold together.

4. Divide your dough into two equal discs; chill these in the fridge wrapped for at least 30 minutes. This cooling step is crucial in making sure your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies hold their shape while baking and don’t spread too much. I usually use this waiting time to clean up or grab a quick coffee.

5. On a floured surface, roll out one disc into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut your dough into rectangles. Remember, your pop tart inspired treats need a bottom and a top, so cut twice as many pieces for each tart.

6. Spread 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam onto half of your cookie rectangles—don’t go too wild or you’ll have filling bubbles that spill out during baking. I learned this the hard way the first time with these homemade pop tart cookies, so keep it tidy!

7. Place the remaining cookie rectangles over the jam-topped ones, pressing edges gently to seal. If you want cute little vent holes, now’s the time to poke them with a fork or toothpick. Sealing firmly is your best friend for Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies that don’t lose their filling in the oven.

8. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn a pretty golden brown. Keep your nose peeled for that familiar smell—that’s Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies magic happening. If your cookies start browning too fast, slide them out sooner to avoid overcooking.

9. Once baked, let your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This pause helps the cookies firm up and the filling settle, giving you that delightful soft but firm bite.

Throughout this process, I love referring back to this helpful post on pop tart inspired treats for inspiration on shaping and decorating Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies—those little touches make the baking extra fun for my kids.

Serving & Enjoying:

Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies have a way of turning our kitchen into a happy gathering spot. My youngest always wants hers slightly warmed with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream, saying it tastes like a grown-up dessert. Meanwhile, my husband enjoys these sweet fruit cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a nostalgic nod to his own childhood mornings.

For casual family breakfasts or after-school snacks, Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are the perfect grab-and-go treat. I sometimes serve them alongside fresh berries and yogurt to add a fresh note that balances the sugary jam filling. Presentation-wise, a simple dusting of powdered sugar over these homemade pop tart cookies makes them look fancy without any extra work.

I’ve found that Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies also shine during special occasions—birthday brunches and family movie nights become that much sweeter with these cookies on the table. One time, I brought a batch to a neighbor’s gathering and got several compliments about how the strawberry filling tasted fresh and just right—not too tart or overly sweet.

Leftovers? These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies keep well in an airtight container for days, but if your family is anything like mine, there won’t be many. Occasionally, I give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave for that fresh-baked warmth. For extra flair, even my picky eaters enjoy these sweet fruit cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate or cream cheese glaze.

If you love pairing tips for Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, this pop tart cookie bar recipe has some brilliant suggestions on combos with other fruit fillings and cream cheese frosting you might want to try next time.

A close-up of freshly baked comforting Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies

FAQs:

Q: Can I use store-bought pie filling for these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
Absolutely! While I love homemade preserves for my Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, store-bought pie filling works well too, especially if you’re short on time. Just watch the amount so your cookies don’t flood during baking.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out of my Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
Sealing the edges really well is key. I suggest using a fork to press down the edges or even a little egg wash to act like glue. This tip saved me from quite a few sticky situations with these strawberry filling cookies!

Q: Can I freeze Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
Yes! Freeze before baking by placing sealed tarts on a tray, then transferring to a bag once firm. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes. This trick keeps my homemade pop tart cookies fresh for busy days.

Q: What if my Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies dough is too sticky to handle?
Pop it in the fridge wrapped for 15-20 minutes—that’s a huge help in getting dough that’s easier to roll. I learned this the hard way with my first batch and it makes making these pop tart inspired treats much less stressful.

Q: Can I substitute the strawberry jam for another flavor in Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
Definitely! My family loves swapping in raspberry or apricot jam for a different twist. It’s a fun way to keep this recipe fresh and exciting for everyone.

Q: Should I use brown sugar or white sugar for the best Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
Brown sugar adds moisture and chew to these sweet fruit cookies, which is why I often lean on it. If curious, check out this post on how brown sugar changes cookies for all the sweet science.

Q: How do I get the perfect balance of sweetness in Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies?
Balancing butter, sugars, and jam is a dance I’ve practiced over many batches. Sometimes I reduce sugar a touch if the jam is very sweet, but generally, following the recipe gives that spot-on, not overly sugary Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies flavor.

For more answers to curious questions about baking sweet fruit cookies, this Facebook post on buttery brown sugar cinnamon pop tart cookies is a fun read too!

Closing:

This Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies recipe holds a special place in my heart because it bridges those nostalgic flavors of childhood with the joy of baking together now. Nothing beats the looks on my kids’ faces when I hand them a warm, jammy cookie—they know it’s a labor of love. Over time, I’ve perfected ways to make these cookies in batches, adapting the recipe to fit our tastes and time constraints while keeping the magic intact.

My Personal Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies Tips:
  • Chill your dough well before rolling to avoid sticky frustration.
  • Keep your jam portion modest to prevent gooey disasters.
  • Use a fork or your fingers to seal edges firmly to trap that delicious filling inside.

As for variations, we’ve tried chocolate drizzle, lemon curd filling, and even peach jam, each becoming a family favorite for different reasons. My son loves the chocolate-drizzled Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, while my daughter is all about the tangy lemon curd version. It’s fun to make this recipe your own, with endless possibilities for flavor and decoration.

I hope your experience making Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies brings you as much warmth and smiles as it does for my family. If ever you want to mix things up, I encourage you to check out my other cookie adventures like how brown sugar changes cookies or try a more rustic take with pop tart cookie bars. Here’s to many sweet moments, lots of berry frenzy, and cozy kitchen memories with your Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies.

Happy baking, friend!

Print

Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies

Freshly baked Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies on clean counter

These Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies combine a flaky, buttery crust with sweet, homemade strawberry filling for a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for dessert or a special snack.

  • Author: Kiera
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 3/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add cold water gradually, mixing until dough begins to come together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 3×4 inch rectangles.
  6. Place a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of half the rectangles.
  7. Brush edges with egg wash then top with remaining rectangles. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
  8. Brush tops with egg wash and poke a few small holes to vent.
  9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely on wire racks.
  10. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired.

Notes

For best results, chill the dough thoroughly and use a good quality strawberry preserves. You can also customize with different jam flavors like raspberry or apricot.

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