If you love the cozy flavors of tart cranberries paired with bright, zesty oranges wrapped in a flaky crust, then this Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe is about to become your go-to breakfast or festive treat. Imagine homemade toaster pastries bursting with a tangy-sweet filling and topped with a glossy glaze that perfectly balances every bite. It’s a fun, nostalgic spin on a classic snack, made with real ingredients that’ll have your kitchen smelling like holiday magic. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe, you won’t want store-bought pastries ever again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. From creating the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry to the vibrant, fruity filling and the sweet, citrusy glaze, every component shines through beautifully.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust that holds everything together.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough without overpowering the filling.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The key to that irresistibly flaky texture.
- 6–8 tbsp ice water: Helps bind the dough, keeping it cool for perfect flakiness.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Bursting with tartness, they make the filling lively and fresh.
- ½ cup orange juice: Brings zesty citrus brightness to the cranberry jam.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling to perfection.
- 1 tbsp orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor with aromatic oils.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water): Thickens the filling so it doesn’t leak from the pastry.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the base of the glaze, adding perfect sweetness and smoothness.
- 2–3 tbsp orange juice: Lightens the glaze with extra citrus flavor.
- Optional: orange zest or festive sprinkles for topping: Adds an extra pop of color and zing for presentation.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter creates those flaky layers. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking it! Divide the dough in half, wrap each in plastic, and chill for at least an hour to firm up and make it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Filling
Combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens – about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry, stir for another 1 to 2 minutes until glossy and jam-like, then remove from heat and let it cool completely. This filling packs a punch of citrus and tartness that makes every bite exciting.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles roughly 3 by 4 inches wide. These shapes will be your pop tart bases. Transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep the edges clear for filling placement later.
Step 4: Assemble the Pop Tarts
Place a spoonful (1–2 tablespoons) of the cooled cranberry-orange filling in the center of each dough rectangle on the baking sheet, leaving about a ½-inch border all around. Roll out the second half of the dough and cut matching rectangles to top each filled base. Gently press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal well, which helps keep all that delicious filling inside during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Before baking, poke a few small holes in the top of each pop tart to vent steam. This prevents the pastry from puffing up unevenly. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding the finishing glaze.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and runny enough to spread. Slather this glaze generously over the cooled pop tarts. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with orange zest or colorful sprinkles while the glaze is still wet. This final step adds a sweet, tangy shine that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra orange zest or a handful of festive colored sprinkles not only make your Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe look irresistible but also boost that bright citrus aroma. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving can add a delicate snowy effect perfect for holiday mornings.
Side Dishes
Serve your pop tarts alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the tartness with warm, comforting sips. Fresh fruit salad, especially with complementary citrus or berries, pairs beautifully and keeps your breakfast bright and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch table, arrange the pop tarts on a wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of rosemary or mint. Or serve with a small bowl of whipped cream or ricotta mixed with honey for dipping. The festive presentation will impress guests and make your Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe the star of any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe fresh for 2 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. If you want to extend their life, refrigeration extends freshness up to 5 days without losing the delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
These pop tarts freeze wonderfully. Wrap each pastry tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked crunch, reheat your pop tarts in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy, and you deserve that flaky texture every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine — just thaw them slightly before cooking to ensure even simmering and bursting for your filling.
Is it okay to make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it well, and refrigerate up to 2 days before rolling and assembling, which makes this recipe even more convenient.
Can I substitute the orange juice with another citrus?
Sure thing. Lemon or grapefruit juice could add a different but still delightful twist, though the classic orange taste is what makes this recipe so special.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly by crimping with a fork and avoid overfilling. Also, poking vents in the top dough helps steam escape and keeps everything inside.
Are these pop tarts suitable for freezing and gifting?
Definitely! Wrapped properly, these make thoughtful homemade gifts for the holidays, and recipients can enjoy fresh-tasting pop tarts whenever they want.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to start your day with a bright burst of flavor or impress loved ones with a festive homemade treat, this Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe is a must-try. Its delightful blend of tangy fruit and buttery crust is both nostalgic and fresh, making every bite pure happiness. I can’t wait for you to make these and share that joy, too!
Print
Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 pop tarts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky homemade pastry filled with tart cranberry-orange jam and topped with a sweet glaze. A festive twist on classic toaster pastries—perfect for breakfast or holiday treats.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp orange juice
- Optional: orange zest or festive sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Make pastry: In a bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Prepare filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
- Assemble pop tarts: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles approximately 3×4 inches. Place half the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled filling into the center of each rectangle, leaving the edges clear. Top with the remaining dough rectangles and press edges firmly together, crimping with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Poke the tops of the assembled pop tarts with a fork to vent steam. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and pourable. Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts. Optionally, decorate with additional orange zest or festive sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- The cranberry-orange filling can be prepared 2–3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Store finished pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For crispier texture, reheat pop tarts in a toaster oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
