Originally published August 2017
There's a certain someone I know, looking down, wondering why I didn't develop this recipe for Homemade Peach Pop Tarts sooner. Michael loved pop tarts. I mean, a heart-quickening, butterflies in the stomach, kind of love. I never understood the fascination, honestly.
We never had them in my house growing up. That's not to say I was weaned on homemade fare. There was plenty of Rice-a-Roni slung around my mother's kitchen. And heaven knows, I had my share of sugary breakfast cereals to start the day.
Somehow, though, pop tarts never made it into our house. I was aware of them on the shelves in the supermarket growing up, but never intrigued enough to beg my mom to buy them. I realize to some people this is like saying, "I heard air existed, but the idea to breathe it in never occurred to me".
The girls have inherited their father's love for pop tarts, so consider these Homemade Peach Pop Tarts my show of motherly love. There will undoubtedly be many more versions in our future. If you don't like or can't find peaches (who are you exactly?), then swap in your favorite jam. It won't offend me one bit.
If you really want to hear your kiddos squeal with joy, you can also make mini pop tarts. Surprisingly, they're almost easier to make than the regular sized ones. Sounds nuts, right? The reason is because the dough is quite delicate, so working with smaller pieces is a little more manageable. Should you choose to make tiny pop tarts, roll the dough on the thicker side, more like 1/8-inch thick. I didn't measure the small pieces, as they were just from scraps of dough, but the final tarts are about the size of my thumb (I was actually aiming for smaller—next time!).
Speaking of the dough, it's a very soft dough since it's made with confectioner's sugar, which absorbs better than granulated sugar. Normally, recipes direct you to use a light dusting of flour. Not this one. Go whole hog, and generously coat the surface you roll it out on. Trust me, it won't toughen you dough, but will make your life much easier. I don't say this to deter you from making these Homemade Peach Pop Tarts. They really are easy (promise!). I just want you to know exactly how to handle the dough for a great pop tart making experience.
What other flavor pop tarts would you like to see in the future? I'm thinking a simple cinnamon sugar, and s'mores one are a must. Oh, and in case you're curious—yes, I do like pop tarts now, at least these homemade ones!
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