Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Intro

Some desserts instantly take you back to childhood, and Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe is definitely one of those magic bites. Every time I bake these cookies, I feel like I opened a time capsule of Saturday mornings, cartoons playing in the background, and a warm pop tart sitting on a plate while I kicked my feet under the table.

But this recipe is not just nostalgia. These cookies are soft, thick, sweet, and filled with the same strawberry jam goodness you remember — then topped with a creamy icing and rainbow sprinkles that make them look like they jumped right out of a bakery case. Soft sugar cookie on the outside, jammy pop tart vibes on the inside… it is everything.

If you have ever wanted a cookie that tastes like a pop tart but feels like a bakery sugar cookie, you just found your new obsession. Let’s dive in.


What Is Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe is a fun hybrid dessert. Imagine taking a classic frosted strawberry pop tart — sweet strawberry filling, vanilla icing, sprinkles — and turning it into a soft, thick sugar cookie that melts in your mouth.

These cookies have:

  • A soft, buttery sugar cookie base
  • A hidden spoonful of strawberry jam inside
  • A smooth vanilla glaze on top
  • And bright rainbow sprinkles just like a classic toaster pastry

It is like a pop tart grew up and decided to become soft, pillowy, and extra delicious.

Everything about these cookies is joyful — the flavors, the colors, the smell that fills your kitchen. They are playful but taste surprisingly gourmet.


The Story of My Discovery of This

Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe came into my life on a random weekday when I was craving something fun. I wanted a dessert that felt whimsical but still homemade. I spotted a box of strawberry pop tarts in my pantry, and the idea hit me so fast I actually said “Oh!” out loud.

Instead of chopping the pop tarts and adding them into dough (which I tried), I realized the magic was not the pastry… it was the flavors. The sweet jammy center and the vanilla icing. So I recreated that vibe inside a soft sugar cookie — and the result was so cute, so delicious, and so nostalgic that I knew I had to share it.


Equipment List

To make these cookies, you only need simple tools:

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie scoop (helpful but optional)
  • Cooling rack

No fancy tools. Just your favorite baking basics.


Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional but amazing)

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 1/3 cup strawberry jam (thick jam works best)

For the Vanilla Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 350 F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

In a bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. This step sets the stage for soft cookies.
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and optional almond extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until the dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies with Filling

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it. Add a small spoonful of strawberry jam in the center.
Top with another small piece of dough and seal the edges gently.

Roll into a smooth ball and place on the baking sheet with space between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cookies look puffy and slightly matte on top. They should not brown — that is how they stay soft.

Let them cool completely on a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make the Icing

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Drizzle over cooled cookies. Add sprinkles before the icing sets.

And then admire your adorable pop tart-inspired creations.


Flavor Notes and Texture Details

Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe is a full sensory experience.

The Cookie

The sugar cookie base is soft, thick, pillowy, and buttery. It is the kind of cookie you break in half and it bends before it snaps. No crisp edges, no crunch, just pure soft bakery-style goodness.

The Filling

The strawberry jam center adds a sweet, fruity burst that keeps the cookie from feeling heavy. The contrast between buttery dough and bright strawberry flavor is honestly addictive.

The Icing

The vanilla glaze on top is sweet but light. It completes the pop tart vibe without being too sugary.

The Sprinkles

The sprinkles give color, crunch, and that nostalgic breakfast pastry feeling.

Every bite is soft, gooey, fruity, and fun.

Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

There are a few reasons why this recipe is foolproof:

1. Softened Butter = Soft Cookies

Creamed butter traps air, which makes fluffy cookies.

2. Egg + Egg Yolk Combo

The extra yolk adds richness and helps the cookies stay soft for days.

3. Thick Jam

Using a thick strawberry jam prevents leaking and keeps the center gooey.

4. Low Bake Time

Removing the cookies before they brown keeps them melt-in-your-mouth soft.

The method is simple, and the ingredients work together perfectly.


Variations to Try

Once you master this recipe, you can play with it endlessly.

Blueberry Pop Tart Cookies

Use blueberry jam and blue/purple sprinkles.

Raspberry Lemon Cookies

Raspberry jam inside and a lemon glaze on top.

Chocolate Pop Tart Cookies

Chocolate icing and mini chocolate chips.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Add a small piece of cream cheese in the center with the jam.

Sprinkle Explosion Version

Mix rainbow sprinkles into the cookie dough.

You can really take this idea anywhere.


Tips From My Kitchen

Here are some tricks I learned while testing this recipe:

Chill the Jam

Cold jam is easier to spoon into the cookie centers.

Seal the Edges

Prevent jam leaks by pinching the dough edges with your fingertips.

Do Not Overbake

The cookies should look pale. Overbaking will make them dry.

Use Parchment Paper

Jam can get sticky — parchment makes cleanup simple.

Icing Needs Cool Cookies

Warm cookies will melt the glaze.

These small details make a big difference.


Occasions to Serve These Cookies

These cookies are honestly perfect for almost anything.

Birthday Parties

They are colorful, sweet, and kid-friendly.

Brunch Tables

They fit right in next to muffins and pastries.

Baby Showers

The pastel colors look adorable.

Valentine’s Day

Strawberry + sprinkles feels perfectly romantic.

Bake Sales

Eye-catching and unique — they will sell fast.

Make-Ahead Treats

They stay soft for days, so they are great for gifting.


Storing and Freezing

A good cookie lasts — and these hold up beautifully.

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Fridge

Keeps well up to 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze baked cookies (without icing) for up to 2 months.
Thaw and add icing later.


Troubleshooting Guide

Here is how to fix common issues:

Jam Leaked Out

Use thicker jam. Chill it first. Seal edges more carefully.

Cookies Spread Too Much

Chill dough balls for 10 minutes before baking.

Cookies Too Dry

Reduce bake time by 1 minute.

Icing Too Thin

Add more powdered sugar.

Icing Too Thick

Add a few drops of milk until smooth.


Serving Ideas to Make Them Extra Special

  • Add freeze-dried strawberry pieces on top
  • Drizzle white chocolate instead of icing
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Plate them with fresh strawberries
  • Dip half of each cookie in pink chocolate coating

These small touches make them look bakery-ready.


Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those desserts that makes you smile before you even taste it. There is something about the soft sugar cookie, the gooey strawberry center, and the colorful sprinkles that feels sweet in more than one way.

These cookies are cute, fun, nostalgic, and delicious — all at once. They remind me why I love baking. Food should bring joy. It should make you stop for a moment, close your eyes, and go, “Okay… that is amazing.”

So grab your strawberry jam and sprinkles, friend. Your kitchen is about to smell like happiness.

More Delicious Desserts:

Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Try this Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe featuring buttery dough, strawberry filling, and simple icing for a nostalgic, fruity dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 to 16 cookies
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Cookie scoop (helpful but optional)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract optional but amazing

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 1/3 cup strawberry jam thick jam works best

For the Vanilla Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Rainbow sprinkles

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Heat your oven to 350 F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

  • In a bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. This step sets the stage for soft cookies.
  • Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and optional almond extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until the dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies with Filling

  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it. Add a small spoonful of strawberry jam in the center.
  • Top with another small piece of dough and seal the edges gently.
  • Roll into a smooth ball and place on the baking sheet with space between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cookies look puffy and slightly matte on top. They should not brown — that is how they stay soft.
  • Let them cool completely on a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make the Icing

  • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
  • Drizzle over cooled cookies. Add sprinkles before the icing sets.
  • And then admire your adorable pop tart-inspired creations.
Keyword Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe
Hi, Iโ€™m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere