Why You’ll Love Strawberry Pop Tart Sugar Cookies Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s playful, comforting, and guaranteed to make people smile. I like how the cookies stay soft and thick, how the jam center feels indulgent, and how the strawberry glaze and sprinkles give them that unmistakable pop-tart vibe. They’re perfect for special treats, parties, or anytime I’m craving something nostalgic and fun.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Vanilla Sugar Cookie Dough
3 cups All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Baking powder
½ teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted butter – Softened
1 ½ cups Granulated sugar
2 large Eggs
2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon Almond extract

Strawberry Jam Center
¾ cup Strawberry preserves – Thick style
1 tablespoon Cornstarch – Fully dissolve
1 teaspoon Lemon juice – Fresh

Strawberry Glaze
2 cups Powdered sugar – Sifted
3-4 tablespoon Strawberry purée – Strained smooth
½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 drop Pink gel food coloring – Optional

Funfetti Topping
1 tablespoon Rainbow jimmies
1 tablespoon White nonpareils
1 tablespoon Colored sugar crystals

Directions

I start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 4 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy. I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, mixing just until combined. I divide the dough into two discs, wrap them, and chill for 30 minutes.

While the dough chills, I mix the strawberry preserves, cornstarch, and lemon juice until smooth and let it rest for about 10 minutes to thicken.

I roll the chilled dough out to about ¼-inch thickness and cut it into circles or rectangles. I place half of the cut dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets as the bottoms. I add a heaping teaspoon of strawberry filling to the center of each, top with another piece of dough, seal the edges, and crimp them with a fork.

I bake the cookies at 350°F for about 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden and the tops stay pale. I let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Once cooled, I whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry purée, vanilla, and food coloring to make a thick glaze. I spread the glaze over the cookies and finish with diagonal sprinkles.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 cookies. Prep time takes around 35 minutes, chill time is 30 minutes, bake time is about 12 minutes, and total time comes to roughly 1 hour and 17 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap strawberry preserves for raspberry or mixed berry. When I want a simpler look, I skip the sprinkles and leave them fully glazed. I also enjoy making them into bars instead of individual cookies for easier serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I let chilled cookies come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough?

I find chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and stay tender.

Why add cornstarch to the jam?

I like how it thickens the filling so it doesn’t leak during baking.

Can I use store-bought strawberry purée?

I prefer homemade purée, but smooth store-bought works too.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I often bake the cookies a day ahead and glaze them later.

Why keep the tops pale?

That’s what gives them the classic pop tart look.

Can I freeze these cookies?

I freeze them unglazed, then thaw and frost later.

Do I have to use almond extract?

I like the subtle flavor, but I can skip it if needed.

What shape works best?

I enjoy rectangles for authenticity, but circles are easier.

Can kids help with this recipe?

I think it’s great for kids, especially decorating.

Are these very sweet?

I find them balanced, with sweetness from the glaze and jam.

Conclusion

These strawberry pop tart sugar cookies are one of my favorite nostalgic desserts because they’re soft, colorful, and packed with strawberry flavor. I love how they bring together childhood memories and bakery-style indulgence in one fun, irresistible cookie.