These homemade pop tarts with butter have a delicious flaky crust. You'll never buy another package from the store again! The filling options are endless... chocolate, strawberry, cinnamon and sugar. These are the perfect dessert to bring to your next brunch gathering!
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Let's talk about revamping a classic breakfast "dessert" many of us love. Growing up, I never ate Pop-Tarts for breakfast or even as a snack. It wasn't until later in life that I tried one, and I was far from impressed. I made these to bring to a brunch and wished I had some leftovers to snack on when we got back home!
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Why you'll love this recipe
While you can't stick these in a traditional toaster, you could pop them in a toaster oven. However, I think you'll find they are just as delicious right out of the oven! This homemade version elevates Pop-Tarts from a simple "meh" to a definite "wow" factor.
Key ingredients and why we use them
Chilled Butter: You want to ensure that you are using chilled (not room-temperature) butter in this recipe. This will allow the gluten to slowly form as you are mixing the flour in, giving you the flaky crust you desire.
Jam: Your favorite jam or jelly will be the filling for these pop tarts. Make sure you use a high-quality brand that you enjoy! I like to use Bonne Maman preserves.
Heather's helpful hints
There is a fine art to rolling out pastry dough that only comes with practice. I'm still learning as I go along but have found two things that always help with the process.
- First, always work with well-chilled pastry; otherwise, the dough will stick to the counter and tear.
- Second, never roll out the dough by rolling back and forth over the same section. Each time you press on the same spot, more gluten develops that can toughen the dough.
Check out more pastry recipes
Don't stop baking with these homemade pop tarts with butter. Keep the fun going in your kitchen with these other My Sweet Precision recipes!
Recipe
Homemade Pop Tarts with Butter
Ingredients
Pop Tart Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter cold, diced
- 1 egg large
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup jam flavor optional
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a medium bowl. Using your hands, work the cold butter into the mixture until the pieces are no larger than a pea. Add the egg and milk to the dough until everything is cohesive.
- Divide the dough in half and shape it into two round disks. Place in the refrigerator for one hour for the dough to chill.
Assemble the Tarts
- Working on a lightly floured surface, roll your dough out until it is approximately ⅛ inch thick. Cut the dough into rectangles that are about 3 x 4 inches. Spoon 1 tablespoon of your preserves into the dough and place a second 3 x 4 rectangle on top. Use the tines of a fork to secure the bottom to the top.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the pop tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 30-35 minutes, or until light golden brown Remove to a wire rack and cool completel.
- In a medium bowl, combine glaze ingredients and mix until combined. Lightly pour or brush glaze on top of cooled pop tarts. Garnish with sprinkles if desired.
Notes and Tips
- Always work with well-chilled pastry; otherwise, the dough will stick to the counter and tear.
- Never roll out the dough by rolling back and forth over the same section. Each time you press on the same spot, more gluten develops that can toughen the dough.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?! First, let me say THANK YOU for giving it a try!
Please leave us a rating and feedback in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I always love to hear your thoughts and ideas on what went well - and didn't - with a recipe!
Happy Baking!
Heather
sheenampuri says
These look soooo good! Definitely saving this recipe and trying out soon.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you Sheenam! Let me know if you give them a try, they are a winner!
Stephanie Leduc says
Omg, I am just in love! Although I kind of like poptarts, I know these ones defeat the boxed version by a landslide!!!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thanks Stephanie! I feel like some childhood treats are special forever! I actually still like gushers if you can believe it ;-)
Just Add Attitude says
Your pop tarts look so inviting, if only I could reach into the internet to grab one. Ann Arbour sounds hot at the moment especially when compared to the cooler summer weather we usually have here. Wishing you and Matt further happy summer adventures.
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
I'm glad you are able to enjoy some cooler weather B! I am definitely not one for the humidity and heat. Hope you are enjoying your summer and any travels that you may be doing!
chef mimi says
What fun! I bet my grandbaby would LOVE these!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Absolutely! These would be a hit with little ones :)
Jess says
I love making my own pop tarts; I can't lie I do LOVE the processed S'mores flavor ones. (to my everlasting shame), but when it comes to fruity ones, I prefer my own every time. Yours look delicious Heather; stay cool out here ;-)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
No judgments at all Jess! There are SO many processed foods from my childhood that I still adore! Nutter butter bars... YES thank you ;) I feel like I'm late to the party just discovering homemade pop tarts now, but I'm definitely hooked. Hope you have a great weekend :)
Antonia says
These look amazing Heather! I am with you on store bought pop tarts...they are so overly sweet. I have to try these out soon, maybe when school starts. My kids will be thanking you ;D It sounds like your camping trip was awesome! Adventure and s’mores cooked over a campfire :D
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
I bet the kids would love these Antonia! I think the fun part is that the flavor combinations are endless. I'm envisioning some blueberry filled ones perhaps?! Hope you are all enjoying your summer and getting some time to relax :)
Antonia says
Blueberry sounds very good! My son would go for the cinnamon for sure!