🎉 Introduction
Strawberry-Filled Pop Tart Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and homemade comfort. Inspired by the classic toaster pastry, these cookies deliver a soft, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet strawberry center, then finished with a smooth glaze and colorful sprinkles. Every bite feels familiar yet elevated, making them ideal for dessert tables, parties, or cozy baking days at home.
What makes these Strawberry-Filled Pop Tart Cookies truly special is their texture contrast: tender cookie exterior, creamy strawberry filling, and a lightly crisp glaze on top. They’re playful, eye-catching, and packed with flavor—perfect for anyone who loves fun, bakery-style cookies made from scratch.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter
- Cooling rack
- Small whisk
🛒 Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1¼ cups butter, softened
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- Sprinkles
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: In another bowl, stir together the strawberry jam and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Step 8: Spoon small amounts of the strawberry filling evenly across the rolled dough, spacing them a few inches apart.
Step 9: Roll out the second portion of dough and gently place it over the filling layer.
Step 10: Press lightly around the filling areas to seal, then cut into rectangles using a knife or pastry cutter.
Step 11: Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 12: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 13: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack.
Step 14: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 15: Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and immediately decorate with sprinkles.
Step 16: Let the glaze set fully before serving.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: About 18 cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
- Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
- Reheating is not recommended to preserve the glaze and filling.
🥄 Variations
- Use raspberry or blueberry jam instead of strawberry.
- Add a thin layer of jam only for a firmer center.
- Skip sprinkles for a more classic bakery-style look.
- Add a drop of natural food coloring to the glaze for a pink finish.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are soft with lightly crisp edges. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. - Do these cookies spread a lot?
No, they hold their shape well. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze without glaze for best results. - Is the cream cheese flavor strong?
No, it balances the sweetness gently. - Can I make them smaller?
Yes, just reduce baking time slightly. - Do they taste like pop tarts?
Yes, but richer and more homemade. - Can kids help make these?
Absolutely, especially decorating. - Why let them cool before glazing?
To prevent the glaze from melting. - Are these good for parties?
Yes, they’re colorful and crowd-pleasing.
🏁 Conclusion
These Strawberry-Filled Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining childhood nostalgia with homemade charm. Soft, sweet, and beautifully decorated, they’re guaranteed to stand out on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for fun, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, this recipe delivers joy in every bite.
Strawberry-Filled Pop Tart Cookies – Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Notes
They are soft with lightly crisp edges. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Do these cookies spread a lot?
No, they hold their shape well. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze without glaze for best results. Is the cream cheese flavor strong?
No, it balances the sweetness gently. Can I make them smaller?
Yes, just reduce baking time slightly. Do they taste like pop tarts?
Yes, but richer and more homemade. Can kids help make these?
Absolutely, especially decorating. Why let them cool before glazing?
To prevent the glaze from melting. Are these good for parties?
Yes, they’re colorful and crowd-pleasing. 🏁 Conclusion
These Strawberry-Filled Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining childhood nostalgia with homemade charm. Soft, sweet, and beautifully decorated, they’re guaranteed to stand out on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for fun, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, this recipe delivers joy in every bite.
