- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature for baking the pop-tarts.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the pop-tarts from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cut the Pie Crust: Unroll each pie crust on a flat surface. Using a knife (or a pizza cutter for more precision), cut out rectangles or squares of your desired size. Aim for 16 pieces in total, which will create 8 pop-tarts.
- Arrange the Base: Place 8 of the cut pie crust pieces on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Add the Jelly: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of strawberry jelly (or your chosen flavor) onto the center of each piece on the cookie sheet. Spread the jelly gently, leaving a small border around the edges to seal the pop-tarts.
- Top and Seal: Lay the remaining 8 pieces of pie crust on top of the jelly-covered bases. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges of each pop-tart, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
- Ventilate: Poke a few holes in the top crust of each pop-tart with a toothpick. This allows steam to escape and prevents the pop-tarts from bursting open.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each pop-tart with the egg wash, giving them a nice golden finish upon baking.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the pop-tarts are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: After baking, transfer the pop-tarts to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before proceeding to the next step. This is crucial for the frosting to set properly.
- Frost and Decorate: Once cooled, spread a layer of frosting over the top of each pop-tart. Add sprinkles for a colorful, fun finish.
- Let Frosting Set: Allow some time for the frosting to set before serving or storing the pop-tarts. This ensures they keep their shape and are less messy to eat.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your homemade pop-tarts fresh, or store them in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled. They can be reheated for a warm treat.
Enjoy creating and indulging in your very own homemade pop-tarts, a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or any moment in need of a sweet, personalized touch.