Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies are a fun twist on your favorite treat! They are filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with colorful icing, making them look as good as they taste.
These cookies remind me of childhood mornings with a tasty breakfast on the go. You can enjoy them as a snack or dessert anytime. Who can resist that bright icing and fruity filling? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps achieve a fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the flavor will change slightly.
Sugars: Combining granulated and brown sugar gives cookies a sweet and chewy texture. If you prefer, you can swap part of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a unique taste.
Strawberry Pop Tarts: These give the cookies a fun strawberry crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity flavor without the sugar.
White Chocolate Chips: While optional, they add a nice creamy touch. You can substitute with dark chocolate chips or leave them out altogether if you want the cookies less sweet.
How Do I Get Fluffy Cookie Dough?
The key to fluffy cookies lies in the creaming method. Creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy incorporates air into the mixture, creating a lighter texture. Follow these steps:
- Start with softened butter; it should be room temperature but not melting.
- Beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and pale.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
This extra effort makes all the difference in your cookie’s texture!
How to Make Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crumbled strawberry Pop Tarts (about 2-3 Pop Tarts)
- 1/2 cup sprinkles (jimmies or nonpareils)
For Optional Topping:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional for melting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need some time for cooling. Overall, plan for about 30-35 minutes to have these tasty cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened butter and mix it with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, adding them one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to give your cookies a lovely flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well combined for an even texture in your cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in Pop Tarts and Sprinkles:
Gently fold in the crumbled strawberry Pop Tarts and sprinkles into the dough. Try to distribute them evenly for that colorful and tasty surprise in every bite!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto your baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each ball so they can spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges; the centers may appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once done, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional White Chocolate Drizzle:
If you want to add a special touch, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra yummy flavor!
Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies!
Can I Use Different Types of Pop Tarts?
Absolutely! While strawberry is a classic choice, feel free to get creative with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even s’mores. Just keep in mind that different flavors may slightly alter the taste of your cookies, but they’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Substitute for the Eggs?
If you want to make this recipe egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana. This will change the flavor a bit but will keep your cookies moist and tasty!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and seal them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. If you freeze the dough, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
