Here’s a recipe for Sourdough Pop Tarts — flaky, tangy, and way better than store-bought. The sourdough discard adds a subtle complexity and helps create a tender, buttery crust.
Ingredients
For the dough (makes about 8–10 pop tarts)
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2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup (226g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
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½ cup (120g) sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
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3–4 tbsp ice water
For the filling (choose one)
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Strawberry jam – ½ cup
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Brown sugar cinnamon – ¼ cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp flour
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Chocolate – ¼ cup chocolate chips + 1 tbsp heavy cream (melt together and cool)
For the glaze
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1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: sprinkles
Instructions
1. Make the dough
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until mixture looks like coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces.
Stir in sourdough discard until combined.
Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time, mixing just until dough comes together (don’t overwork).
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Roll and cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc into a 9×12-inch rectangle, about ⅛-inch thick.
Cut into 3×4-inch rectangles (or use a pop tart cutter). Repeat with second disc.
You’ll have 8–10 tops and 8–10 bottoms.
3. Fill and seal
Place bottom rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add 1–2 tsp filling in the center, leaving a ½-inch border.
Lightly brush edges with water. Place a top rectangle over the filling.
Press edges with a fork to seal. Poke a few steam holes in the top.
4. Chill (important!)
Freeze the assembled pop tarts on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. This prevents butter from melting during baking.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake directly from freezer for 18–22 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Once pop tarts are completely cool, spread glaze on top. Add sprinkles if desired. Let glaze set for 15 minutes.