Description
These giant Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies feature a tender, buttery sugar cookie dough stuffed with a homemade strawberry reduction and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for dessert, these nostalgic treats combine the best parts of a soft cookie and a toaster pastry.
Ingredients
Strawberry Filling
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 6 oz (170g) strawberries, quartered (fresh or frozen)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 Tablespoon (7g) butter (salted or unsalted)
Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cups (266g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups (450g) cake flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt
Glaze and Decor
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Nonpareils or sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Add the strawberries and lemon juice, stirring to mix. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the berries soften and release juices, then mash them. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a jelly-like consistency. Remove from heat, stir in the butter, and refrigerate in a heatproof bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer for about 1 minute until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, stirring until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Cover and chill for 30-60 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Remove the dough and filling from the refrigerator. Scoop 1/4 cup (85g) of dough, divide it into two halves, and form each into a shallow nest. Place 2 teaspoons of filling into one nest, cover with the other, and pinch the edges to seal completely. Gently roll between your palms to create a smooth ball.
Step 4: Freeze Before Baking
Place the stuffed cookie dough balls onto a plate or baking sheet and freeze for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure the cookies hold their shape.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls 2 inches apart. Bake on the center rack for 14-16 minutes until the edges are light golden brown. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl. Add more milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Spread over the cooled cookies and top with sprinkles. Let the glaze harden before serving.
Notes
Seal it tight: Ensure you pinch the edges of the dough together well during assembly. If there are gaps, the strawberry filling may leak out during baking.
Don’t skip the freeze: Freezing the shaped dough balls for 10-15 minutes before baking is essential. It prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the hot oven.
Handle with care: These cookies are large and heavy with filling. Allow them to set and cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them, or they may break.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Strawberry Pop Tart Cookies, stuffed cookies, homemade toaster pastry, fruit filled cookies, frosted sugar cookies, bakery style cookies