Pop tarts with a twist

Description:
These are such a lovely treat for the kids and being homemade just makes them extra special.

Main ingredients:
Dairy, Flour, Fruit, Eggs, Sugar

Cuisine:
American

Ingredients:
For the sweet pastry
240g plain flour, plus extra for rolling
200g butter, cut into chunks
1 tbsp caster sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
Pinch of salt
For the cherry filling
9 heaped tbsp cherry jam
1 tbsp cornflour
For the topping
200g icing sugar
1 tsp almond extract (use water for nut-free)
Hundreds and thousands, sprinkles (optional)

Method:
Use a food processor to pulse the flour, butter, sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Tip into a bowl. Beat together one of the eggs and the milk then add this gradually and mix until you have a dough that comes together (about 1 tablespoon).
Knead the dough for a few seconds then divide into two, shape into rough rectangles, wrap in cling film.
Chill for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of cold water until dissolved.
Stir into the jam and set aside.
Remove the dough and roll both out on a lightly floured surface until there are two rectangles, roughly A4 in size.
Cut each sheet into 9 even sized rectangles.
Beat the remaining egg.
Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and set aside.
Taking two rectangles in turn, brush one entirely with egg.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto the other and sandwich together.
Transfer to the baking tray and use a fork to press the edges together.
Glaze with egg then prick with a skewer all over for the steam to escape.
Repeat then chill for 30 minutes uncovered.
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4.
Remove from the fridge, glaze again with the eggg and cook for 18-22 minutes, until golden.
Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Make the icing sugar, almond extract (if using) and then add enough cold water, a drop at a time, until the icing is runny enough to paint onto the tarts.
Brush with the icing and then scatter with hundreds and thousands, sprinkles or whatever decoration, if you like.

Serves: Makes 9
Preparation Time: 80 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Type: Kids Food
Level of Difficulty: Moderately Easy

 
Will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.