Description
Delight in these Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, combining classic cookie dough with chopped frosted strawberry Pop-Tarts and colorful sprinkles. Soft, buttery cookies infused with nostalgic pop tart flavors, finished optionally with a sweet glaze and extra sprinkles for a festive touch. Perfect for a fun dessert or snack that brings a playful twist to traditional baked treats.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (285g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts, chopped
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 5-7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Soften the butter by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds or letting it come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chop Pop-Tarts: Chop the frosted strawberry Pop-Tarts into small pieces to incorporate into the dough, distributing their flavor and texture evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well creamed together.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until the eggs are well beaten and fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while beating on medium-low speed until most of the flour is incorporated.
- Add Pop-Tart Pieces and Sprinkles: Fold in the chopped Pop-Tarts and sprinkles. Then increase the mixer speed and beat until the dough comes together fully.
- Portion the Dough: Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough into evenly sized balls. Place them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, place additional chopped Pop-Tart pieces on top of the dough balls for extra texture and presentation.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar with 5-7 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream until smooth and dripping but not too runny. Adjust cream amount as needed for consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle or spread the glaze over cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles for a festive finish. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake. Remove from oven once edges are set but centers still appear slightly underbaked.
- Pop-Tarts add moisture and sweetness inside the cookies, so avoid using too many additional sweet add-ins.
- If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract along with vanilla.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and decorative touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
