Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back childhood memories, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the thing! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie filled with gooey cinnamon goodness and topped with a delightful glaze. These cookies not only taste like those iconic pop tarts we all loved but are also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe will surely impress everyone around the table.

What makes these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies so special is their warm, comforting flavors and the joy they bring to any occasion. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or packing in lunchboxes for a little midday treat. Plus, they store beautifully, making them an ideal option for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the sweet cinnamon filling and delicious glaze.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever the craving hits!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a rich, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or just a cozy night at home, they fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful treat!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups cake flour
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Filling

• 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoon cake flour

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 2 1/2 Tablespoon milk

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright twist on flavor!
• Mix in chocolate chips: For chocolate lovers, adding mini chocolate chips can take these cookies to another level.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger in the filling for an extra spice kick.
• Use alternative sweeteners: If you prefer, substitute some of the sugars with coconut sugar or maple syrup.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar to your mixing bowl. Beat them on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that wonderful soft texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next up, add in those two room temperature eggs along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat once more for another minute or two. The eggs will help bind everything together while adding moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture while beating on medium speed. Mix until everything is just combined; be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed. Cover this lovely dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour—this helps develop flavors and makes it easier to work with.

Step 5: Prepare Your Filling

While your dough chills, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a medium bowl until smooth. This filling is what gives your cookies that gooey goodness inside!

Step 6: Form Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out heaping teaspoons of filling and roll them into balls before placing them on your baking sheet. Then scoop out portions of chilled dough using a measuring cup or cookie scoop—about 1/4 cup each—and split them in half.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cookies

Create a well in one half of the dough ball; place one ball of filling inside it before pressing down with another half on top. Pinch those seams tightly to seal everything inside! Roll them into balls again gently if needed.

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Arrange your dough balls about two inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for about 11-13 minutes until their tops are set but still soft—the edges should be lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes then transfer them onto a wire rack.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

While they cool completely, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth for that delicious glaze!

Step 10: Decorate & Enjoy!

Place parchment paper under your cooling rack then drizzle or spoon icing over each cookie generously! Let it set for about 15 minutes before indulging in these delightful treats!

And there you go! Now you have warm Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ready to enjoy or share with someone special!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making these cookies is a breeze, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter, which leads to better mixing and ultimately a fluffier cookie texture.

• Chill the dough: Giving your dough some time in the fridge allows it to firm up, making it easier to work with and helping the cookies maintain their shape while they bake.

• Don’t overbake: Pull your cookies from the oven when they are just set. They will continue to cook a bit after being removed, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.

• Experiment with filling flavors: While the cinnamon filling is delightful, feel free to get creative! Try adding a touch of nutmeg or swapping in other spices for a unique twist.

• Let the icing set: Allowing your icing to set before serving not only enhances the presentation but also ensures that each cookie has that delicious glaze intact when you take a bite.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon treat. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before serving adds an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these warm cookies—perfect for a cozy dessert!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of berries and citrus can balance out the sweetness of the cookies while adding a vibrant splash of color.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea complements these cookies beautifully, making them ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a light side option that contrasts nicely with the rich cookies.

Enjoy crafting these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re not just treats; they’re little moments of joy you can share with friends and family. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! They store well and can be made in advance, so you’ll always have a sweet treat on hand. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the baked cookies to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm cookie experience, microwave each cookie for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Can I use different fillings for my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or even nut butters as delicious alternatives.

How should I store my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them!

Can I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies without cake flour?

Yes! If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can substitute all-purpose flour. Just remember that the texture may differ slightly.

How long will my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will remain fresh for about 5 days. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Their gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze make them truly special treats that everyone will love. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday gathering or just because, I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Enjoy making these cookies and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends!