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There's something undeniably nostalgic about strawberry pop tarts. These delightful pastries evoke memories of childhood breakfasts and afternoon snacks, yet there’s nothing quite like the taste of a homemade version. Homemade strawberry pop tarts not only offer a more flavorful experience but also allow you to customize every aspect to your liking. Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery crust filled with luscious, sweet strawberries — it’s a treat that’s hard to resist.

Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

Bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen with this homemade strawberry pop tart recipe. Experience the joy of baking as you create flaky, buttery pastries filled with fresh, juicy strawberries. This delicious treat allows you to customize the filling and icing to suit your tastes, making it a fun activity for bakers of all levels. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating these gourmet pastries from scratch, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Get ready to impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

For the Pastry:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Strawberry Filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

For the Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: colorful sprinkles for decoration

Instructions
 

Make the Pastry:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Use a whisk to ensure even distribution.

      - Incorporate the chilled, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mixing until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.

        - Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough holds together without being sticky. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

          Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

            - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. Stir the mixture well.

              - Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries begin to release their juices, and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.

                Roll Out the Pastry:

                  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

                    - On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled pastry until it reaches about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 4x6 inches for the bottom crust.

                      - Arrange half of the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

                        Assemble the Pop Tarts:

                          - Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry filling into the center of each pastry rectangle on the baking sheet.

                            - Roll out the second disc of pastry and cut out identical rectangles for the top. Carefully place these over the filled bases.

                              - Use a fork to press the edges together firmly, sealing the pop tarts, and make a few small slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.

                                Bake:

                                  - Lightly brush the tops of the assembled pop tarts with water or an egg wash (a mixture of 1 beaten egg and 1 tbsp water) for a beautiful golden color.

                                    - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

                                      Prepare the Icing:

                                        - In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. If the icing is too thick, add additional milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

                                          Ice and Decorate:

                                            - Once the pop tarts are completely cool, drizzle the prepared icing generously over the tops. Add the optional colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

                                              Enjoy:

                                                - Serve your delicious homemade strawberry pop tarts fresh from the oven, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment. For a delightful treat, warm them up in the toaster before serving!

                                                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 8