Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of making homemade pop tarts, from preparing the perfect dough to filling and baking them to perfection. Whether you love classic strawberry pop tarts or want to experiment with Nutella or peanut butter fillings, this recipe covers it all. Additionally, you’ll learn expert tips for achieving a bakery-quality texture and how to store them for long-lasting freshness.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl (for making the dough)
- 1 Rolling Pin (for rolling out the dough)
- 1 Baking Sheet (for baking the pop tarts)
- 1 Fork (for sealing the edges)
- 1 Pastry Brush (for egg wash)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 6 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- ½ cup strawberry jam or filling of choice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, to thicken jam
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and mix until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: If using jam, mix it with cornstarch in a small saucepan over low heat until slightly thickened. Let it cool completely.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into rectangles, about 3x4 inches in size.
- Assemble the Pop Tarts: Place one rectangle on a baking sheet, spoon a small amount of filling in the center, leaving space at the edges. Top with another rectangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together egg and milk, then brush the tops of the pop tarts with the egg wash.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pop tarts and add sprinkles if desired.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
📌For a flakier crust, keep the butter as cold as possible when mixing the dough.
📌Experiment with different fillings such as Nutella, peanut butter, or cinnamon sugar.
📌Store in an airtight container or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a fresh taste.
