Gluten-Free Strawberry Pop-Tart Cookies

Name: Strawberry Pop-Tart Cookies
Yield: 11 Cookies
Ingredients: 1/2 c. seedless strawberry jam, chilled; 1/4 c. unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 Tbsp. vegetable shortening (we used Crisco); 1 Tbsp. cream cheese, room temperature; 1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp. sugar; 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp. vanilla; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/2 tsp. vinegar; 1/8 tsp. baking soda; 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar; 1/8 tsp. salt; 2 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 Tbsp. milk; 1 c. powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp. vanilla; A drop of strawberry extract (optional); Red sanding sugar and/or red and white sprinkles

Desserts

Feb 6

Written By Kali Terry

Post Published Feb. 7, 2026

These gluten-free strawberry pop-tart cookies are soft, buttery, and tender with just the right amount of structure to hold a delicious, jammy and gooey strawberry center. They’re finished with a smooth vanilla icing and a shower of sprinkles, giving you that unmistakable Pop-Tart vibe—but in cookie form, and completely gluten-free! And bonus, they’re shaped like hearts, making them even cuter to look at.

Jump to Recipe

What They Taste Like

If you’re wondering whether these lean more “cookie” or more “Pop-Tart,” the answer is somewhere perfectly in between. The cookie itself is mild and buttery, not overly sweet, which lets the strawberry filling really shine. The jam stays bright and fruity, tasting like actual strawberries instead of candy.

The icing adds just enough sweetness to pull everything together, and the sprinkles give that tiny bit of crunch that makes each bite more satisfying. Nothing is overwhelming. Nothing feels like too much. You can eat one and feel happy—or eat two and feel really happy.

The Texture Is Everything

Gluten-free cookies can be tricky, but these are soft in the best way. They’re not crumbly, not gritty, and not dry. The outside is tender, the inside stays plush, and the filling gives a little contrast that keeps things interesting.

A few things you’ll notice right away:

The cookies hold together beautifully without feeling dense
The center stays soft and jammy
The icing sets just enough to make them easy to stack or gift

They’re the kind of cookie you can bite into without worrying about it falling apart in your hands.

Surprisingly Easy, Impressively Cute

Despite how polished and bakery-worthy these look, they’re very approachable. There’s no complicated shaping, no finicky steps, and no special equipment required beyond a heart-shaped cutter. The dough is forgiving, easy to handle, and cooperative—especially for a gluten-free recipe.

They’re the kind of cookies you can make for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something fun. And because they’re hearts, they automatically feel festive without needing extra effort.

Perfect for:

Valentine’s Day
Baby showers
Bridal showers
Cookie boxes and gifts

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature unless stated otherwise.

- This recipe states to bake the cookies for 9 minutes exactly, but all ovens are different. So, you may have to add an extra 30-60 seconds if your oven typically runs a bit cooler.

- Be sure to refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes before handling.

These Strawberry Pop-Tart Cookies are sweet, cozy, and a little nostalgic in the best way. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people smile when they see them and reach for another before the tray is empty. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or just because you want something fun, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a small celebration. 💗🍓