Delight in these adorable homemade heart-shaped strawberry pop tarts! Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, these flaky pastries are filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a luscious glaze. Theyโre easy to make and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for special occasions: The heart shape makes them ideal for Valentineโs Day or any romantic celebration.
- Customizable filling: While strawberry is classic, you can easily swap in your favorite jam or filling.
- Fun and easy to make: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels.
- Homemade goodness: Skip store-bought pop tarts and enjoy the superior taste of fresh, homemade pastries.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Ice water
- Strawberry jam
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and mix until a dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut shapes: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut an even number of shapes.
- Fill the tarts: Place a small dollop of strawberry jam in the center of half the hearts. Brush edges with egg wash and top with the remaining hearts. Press edges to seal and crimp with a fork.
- Bake: Transfer the tarts to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
- Glaze and decorate: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Add food coloring if desired. Drizzle over the cooled tarts and top with sprinkles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 8-10 pop tarts, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Different fillings: Try raspberry jam, Nutella, or apple butter for unique flavors.
- Shape alternatives: Use other cookie cutter shapes to fit any theme or occasion.
- Vegan option: Substitute vegan butter and use a plant-based milk glaze.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
FAQs
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling. Crimping with a fork and using an egg wash will help keep the filling contained.
Can I freeze these pop tarts?
Yes, freeze unbaked tarts on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use if I donโt have a heart-shaped cutter?
A round or square cutter works just as well. You can also hand-cut shapes using a knife.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought crust is a convenient shortcut if youโre short on time.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar to the glaze if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for pastry recipes.
Whatโs the best way to roll out the dough?
Roll between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even thickness.
How do I make them extra flaky?
Ensure your butter is very cold, and avoid overworking the dough to maintain the flakiness.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the tarts are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Are these tarts kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love helping cut the shapes and decorating the finished tarts.
Conclusion
Homemade heart-shaped strawberry pop tarts are a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with a touch of elegance. Whether for a holiday, a loved one, or just because, these pop tarts bring a smile to every bite. Try them today and experience the joy of baking something truly special!
Print
Homemade Heart-Shaped Strawberry Pop Tarts
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 pop tarts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable heart-shaped strawberry pop tarts are perfect for Valentineโs Day, breakfast treats, or just because! They feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a simple glaze. Easy to make and customizable, these tarts will win hearts at every bite.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6โ8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 3/4 cup (240g) strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2โ3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Pastry Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry jam, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Let it cool completely.
- Assemble the Pop Tarts:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about โ -inch thickness. Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Repeat with the second dough disc.
- Place half of the hearts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of strawberry filling (about 1 teaspoon) into the center of each. Place another heart-shaped dough piece on top, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
- Use a toothpick to poke a few small holes on the top for steam to escape.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring if desired.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled pop tarts. Add sprinkles if using.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry jam with any other jam or fruit preserve of your choice.
- For a flakier crust, ensure your butter and water are very cold.
- Store pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
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