Description

These Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a luscious strawberry jam filling and a charming pop tart design. Perfectly tender and sweet, they combine buttery cookie layers with a fruity center and festive sprinkles for a fun, nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Filling and Decoration

¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves
Sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Blend in vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients on low speed until just combined, taking care not to over-mix to avoid tough cookies.
Form the Cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten into a 2-inch disc. Use a finger or back of a spoon to make a small well in the center of half the discs. Spoon about a teaspoon of strawberry jam into each well.
Top and Seal the Cookies: Place an unfilled cookie disc on top of each jam-filled one. Press edges gently to seal and crimp with a fork to create a pop tart look.
Bake: Bake on prepared sheets for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Decorate with Icing and Sprinkles: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a smooth icing. Drizzle over cooled cookies and add sprinkles for a festive finish.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
To make dairy-free cookies, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Reduce sugar by using sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia in place of granulated and powdered sugar.
Try flavor variations by swapping strawberry jam for lemon curd or blueberry jam.
Do not over-mix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent jam leakage during baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry pop tart cookies, sugar cookies, filled cookies, jam cookies, homemade sugar cookies, festive cookies