Name: Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup fresh cranberries; ½ cup orange juice; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp orange zest; 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp orange juice; Optional: orange zest or festive sprinkles for topping

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If you’re craving a bakery treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh, these Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts are about to become your new obsession. Imagine flaky, buttery pastry enveloping a sweet-tart cranberry-orange jam, all topped with a zesty glaze—just the thing to brighten up any morning or bring a festive pop of color to your holiday spreads. Every bite delivers a burst of real fruit flavor and cozy citrus warmth, making them a wonderful make-ahead option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking your own Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts is simpler than it seems, thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients that each enhance the taste, texture, and charm of this homemade treat. Let’s walk through the lineup and why you’ll love each one.

All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but tender base of the pastry, ensuring the pop tarts hold together while remaining delightfully flaky.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch brings out the pastry’s subtle sweetness and balances the tartness of the filling.
Salt: Don’t skip this! Salt sharpens the flavors and keeps the dough from tasting flat.
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The secret to an irresistibly layered, flaky crust—cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes.
Ice water: Brings the pastry dough together with just enough moisture, keeping everything light instead of dense.
Fresh cranberries: The star of the filling, these beauties give the pop tarts their signature tartness and rosy color.
Orange juice: Adds tangy, citrusy brightness and helps the cranberries cook down into a jammy consistency.
Orange zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor and imparts an uplifting aroma in both the filling and the glaze.
Cornstarch (mixed with water): Thickens the cranberry filling so it’s perfectly spoonable and won’t ooze out when baked.
Powdered sugar: Gives the glaze its silky, opaque finish and subtle sweetness that ties the whole pop tart together.
More orange juice (for glaze): Blends with powdered sugar to create a pourable, flavorful glaze.
Optional: orange zest or festive sprinkles: A playful finish that adds excitement to every bite and makes these tarts eye-catchingly fun.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts

Step 1: Make the Pastry

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add those cold, cubed pieces of butter, and work them in (using a pastry cutter or your fingertips) until the texture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs—think slightly larger than peas. This flaky result is the hallmark of homemade Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts! Next, drizzle in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just starts to clump together. Divide it in half, press into discs, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Let these chill in the fridge for at least an hour; it’s worth the wait for a perfectly flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Filling

While your dough is chilling, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, and fragrant zest in a small saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the berries burst and everything simmers into a glossy, thickened mixture—about 8 to 10 minutes. To make it beautifully spreadable, mix your cornstarch with a splash of water and stir it in. Allow it to boil gently for another minute or two, then remove from heat and let it cool fully. This burst of color and flavor is what sets these Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts apart!

Step 3: Roll, Cut, and Fill the Pop Tarts

Dust your countertop with flour and roll out one piece of chilled dough at a time to about 1/8-inch thickness. Slice the dough into rectangles, roughly 3×4 inches (a ruler can be handy here!). Lay out half the rectangles on a lined baking sheet. Spoon a tablespoon or two of your cooled cranberry orange filling into the center of each, being careful to leave space around the edges for sealing. Place the matching rectangles of dough on top, then press and crimp the edges with a fork to lock in all that jammy goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Gently poke the tops of each pop tart with a fork—this helps steam escape and keeps the pastry crisp. Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. They’re ready when the tops are golden and the edges look beautifully browned. Move them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before adding the glaze. (It’s hard to wait, but this keeps the glaze from melting right off!)

Step 5: Glaze and Decorate

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Spread or drizzle over each fully cooled pop tart, then shower with extra orange zest or festive sprinkles if you like. The sweet-tart topping pulls every flavor together and adds that irresistible bakery-style finish Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts are known for.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts

Garnishes

Dress up your Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts with a pinch of fresh orange zest or a scattering of sprinkles to make them extra cheerful. For a more sophisticated look, candied citrus peel or a dusting of powdered sugar can add sparkle and style to your breakfast or sweet table.

Side Dishes

Pair these tarts with a cup of hot coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy breakfast. If you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread, consider yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit salad, or savory egg dishes to balance their sweetness with something hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stacking the Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts on a tiered platter for a brunch buffet, or package them individually in parchment for festive edible gifts. If you want to get fancy, slice them into strips for dunking into warm vanilla custard or whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply let your Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for about five days.

Freezing

These pop tarts freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, unglazed tarts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Glaze them after thawing for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy that bakery-fresh crispness, warm your Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes—just until heated through and the pastry regains its tender, flaky bite. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soft.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the filling?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. No need to thaw them—simply use them straight from the freezer and cook as directed; just expect a slightly longer cooking time as they release more moisture.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Be careful not to overfill each tart and make sure to leave a border for sealing. Pressing the edges firmly with a fork and venting the top with a fork-tine poke will help keep the jam tucked inside your Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts.

Can I prepare the dough or filling ahead of time?

Definitely—both the pastry dough and cranberry orange filling can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble and bake the day you want fresh Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts for convenience and best flavor.

What’s the best way to glaze the pop tarts?

Once the pop tarts are completely cool, use a small spoon or offset spatula to spread the glaze evenly. Allow it to set before stacking or packaging, and feel free to add zest or sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.

Are these good for gifting?

Absolutely! Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts make delightful edible gifts. Wrap them individually in parchment or cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon—they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, especially around the holidays.

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra special about baking treats like Cranberry Orange Pop Tarts from scratch, sharing them with friends, or even sneaking one for yourself with a steamy mug of coffee. Give them a try—the pop of tart cranberry, sunny orange, and melt-in-your-mouth pastry will have you swooning bite after bite!