Heart-Shaped Pop Tarts with Strawberry Jam
Heart-Shaped Pop Tarts with Strawberry Jam combine a buttery, flaky pastry with a sweet and tangy strawberry jam filling, shaped into charming hearts for a delightful breakfast treat. Perfect for special occasions or everyday enjoyment, this homemade recipe is simple to make, customizable, and free from preservatives, offering a wholesome and delicious start to any day.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 pop tarts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons cold water
Filling
- Strawberry jam (approximately 1 teaspoon per tart)
Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar glaze or powdered sugar for dusting
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut cold unsalted butter into small cubes and use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a 3-4 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Cut double the number needed as each tart requires a top and bottom piece.
- Assemble the Pop Tarts: Place half of the heart shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about one teaspoon of strawberry jam into the center of each heart, avoiding overfilling to prevent leaks. Lightly brush edges with water, then top with another heart piece. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal and create a decorative border.
- Add Egg Wash: Whisk together one egg and one tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of each pop tart with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Use a toothpick to poke a few small holes on top to release steam during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pop tarts for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before adding any optional glaze or icing.
Notes
- Keep ingredients cold (butter and water) to ensure a flaky pastry texture and prevent greasiness.
- Do not overfill the tarts to avoid jam leakage during baking.
- Seal edges firmly with a fork to lock in filling and create a decorative pattern.
- Bake on parchment paper-lined sheets to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Allow pop tarts to cool fully before applying any glaze to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pop tarts, breakfast, strawberry jam, heart-shaped pastry, homemade, flaky pastry, sweet treat