Craving a sweet treat that’s both quick and wholesome this Valentine's Day? Ditch the store-bought pastries and dive into a batch of Homemade Valentine's Day Pop Tarts. These aren't your average toaster treats—think flaky crusts bursting with flavorful fillings made with real ingredients. As a busy parent, I rarely have time for elaborate desserts, but these Homemade Valentine's Day Pop Tarts are a total game-changer. They're simple enough for the kids to help with, customizable to everyone's tastes and perfect for sweet moments together.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, Valentine's Day always meant heart-shaped everything. But instead of candy-aisle chaos, my grandma would always make us homemade pastries. The smell of the warm dough and sweet filling always filled the house with warmth. These Homemade Valentine's Day Pop Tarts are my take on that tradition. They capture that same feeling, only quicker, healthier, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup strawberry jam (or your favorite flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water)
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Whisk together the strawberry jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut Shapes: Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out equal-sized rectangles or hearts. You'll need two shapes for each pop tart.
- Assemble: Place half of the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a small amount of filling onto each cutout, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top: Place the remaining cutouts on top of the filled ones and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the pop tarts cool completely on a wire rack.
- Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Spread the icing over the cooled pop tarts then add sprinkles for decoration.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Homemade Valentine’s Day Pop Tarts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.1/2 cup ice water
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Whisk together the strawberry jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.1 cup strawberry jam, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut Shapes: Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out equal-sized rectangles or hearts. You’ll need two shapes for each pop tart.
- Assemble: Place half of the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a small amount of filling onto each cutout, leaving a small border around the edges.1 cup strawberry jam
- Top: Place the remaining cutouts on top of the filled ones and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the pop tarts cool completely on a wire rack.
- Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, Pink or red food coloring
- Decorate: Spread the icing over the cooled pop tarts then add sprinkles for decoration.Sprinkles
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.