Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Filling and Decoration
- ¾ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, taking about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is vital for a tender texture.
- Add eggs and extracts: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, the almond extract for added depth of flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten this ball into a 2-inch disc and create a small well or indentation in the center to hold the filling.
- Add jam filling: Spoon about one teaspoon of strawberry jam into the well of half of the cookie discs. This adds the sweet, fruity pop tart flavor inside.
- Assemble cookies: Place the remaining cookie discs on top of the jam-filled bottoms. Seal the edges tightly by crimping them with a fork to prevent the jam from leaking during baking.
- Bake: Arrange the assembled cookies on the lined baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional decoration: If desired, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple icing made by mixing powdered sugar and milk, then sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for a festive finishing touch.
Notes
- Almond extract is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor to the vanilla.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for better creaming results.
- Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Sealing the edges well is crucial to keep the strawberry jam from leaking out during baking.
- The icing drizzle is optional but adds extra sweetness and decorative appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American