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Homemade Heart-Shaped Strawberry Pop Tarts

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These Homemade Heart-Shaped Strawberry Pop Tarts are adorable, flaky, and filled with sweet strawberry goodness. Topped with a simple glaze and sprinkles, they make a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, breakfast, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 4–5 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (150 g) strawberry jam
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A drop or two of pink or red food coloring (optional)

For Garnish:

  • Heart-shaped sprinkles
  • Sanding sugar


Instructions

Make the Pastry Dough:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in the Butter:
    • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Ice Water:
    • Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Make the Filling:
    • In a small saucepan, mix the strawberry jam, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Let cool completely.

Assemble the Pop Tarts:

  1. Roll Out the Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out even numbers of hearts. Repeat with the second disk of dough.
  2. Add the Filling:
    • Place half of the heart-shaped cutouts onto the prepared baking sheet. Add about 1 teaspoon of strawberry filling to the center of each heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Seal the Tarts:
    • Brush the edges of the hearts with a little water. Place another heart-shaped cutout on top and press the edges together with a fork to seal. Use a knife to poke a small vent hole in the top of each tart.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate the Pop Tarts:

  1. Make the Glaze:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
  2. Glaze the Tarts:
    • Spoon or pipe the glaze onto the cooled pop tarts. Decorate with heart-shaped sprinkles or sanding sugar while the glaze is still wet.


Notes

  • Make Ahead: The pastry dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat in the oven or toaster for a fresh taste.
  • Customization: Try different fillings like raspberry jam, Nutella, or cream cheese for variety.