Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the ticket! They combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar with a soft, chewy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up anytime you need a sweet fix!
I love how these cookies remind me of those classic pop tarts we all enjoyed as kids, but with an extra homemade touch. The gooey filling and luscious cinnamon glaze make them special enough for any occasion. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: They come together in no time, perfect for last-minute dessert plans!
- Family-friendly: Kids adore them! These cookies are a hit with both young and old.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake whenever you’re ready.
- Deliciously nostalgic: Enjoy the familiar flavors that take you back to simpler times.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with fillings or toppings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is a breeze! With simple and wholesome components, you’ll be baking in no time. Here’s what you need:
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
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients to make it your own.
- Change up the spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing twist.
- Try different fillings: Use fruit preserves or chocolate chips instead of the traditional filling.
- Top it off: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for an extra indulgent touch!
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
Start by adding the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming air into the butter helps create that perfect cookie texture. Then, add in your vanilla extract and eggs, beating again until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing these together ensures even distribution throughout your dough. Once combined, gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything gets mixed well!
Step 3: Chill the Dough
After mixing everything together, cover your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour. Chilling helps solidify the fats in your dough which leads to thick cookies that won’t spread too much while baking.
Step 4: Prepare Filling Balls
While you’re waiting on that dough to chill, let’s make our filling! In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. Using a heaping teaspoon scoop out some filling and roll it into balls. This will give us those delicious gooey centers when baked!
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Once your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough from your chilled mixture using a large cookie scoop or measuring cup. Break this portion in half and create a well in one half. Place one ball of filling inside that well before placing the other half on top. Pinch the seams well to seal in all that tasty goodness!
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Arrange your cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. These little guys need space! Bake them for about 11-13 minutes until their tops are just set and edges turn lightly golden brown. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Step 7: Ice Your Cookies
While waiting for those warm cookies to cool completely, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth! Set up parchment paper under cooling racks so icing doesn’t make a mess everywhere. Spoon icing over each cookie generously so it spreads beautifully across each surface.
Enjoy every bite of these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re perfect as an afternoon treat or even as gifts during special occasions—everyone will love them!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Making cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve to ensure they come out perfect every time!
-
Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter and eggs at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air better, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies.
-
Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour not only helps with shaping but also enhances the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
-
Don’t rush the cooling process: Letting your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack allows them to firm up slightly, reducing the risk of breakage.
-
Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features a gooey cinnamon filling, feel free to try other flavors like chocolate or fruit preserves for a fun twist!
-
Store correctly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They should last up to five days—if they last that long!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not just tasty; they’re also eye-catching! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.
Garnishes
- Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds an extra pop of flavor and makes them look even more inviting.
- Drizzle of chocolate: For those who want a little indulgence, drizzling some melted dairy-free chocolate over the cookies can elevate their appearance and taste.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cookies perfectly, creating a cozy dessert experience.
- Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies and offers a colorful contrast on the plate.
- Hot cocoa or coffee: Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or coffee creates a comforting snack that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruits beside these cookies makes for a deliciously wholesome breakfast or brunch option.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll surely impress friends and family with your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Happy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat anytime! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet snack on hand, these cookies store and freeze beautifully.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they will last about a week.
Freezing
- Once cooled, lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies that might help you out!
Can I use different types of sugar in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?
You can experiment with different sugars! However, using light brown sugar gives these cookies their signature flavor. Granulated sugar can work too but may alter the taste slightly.
How long do Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies last?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!
Can I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky after chilling, try adding a little more cake flour—start with one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only scrumptious but also bring back those nostalgic flavors we all love. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! These scrumptious treats combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, enveloped in a soft, chewy cookie that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, these cookies are easy to whip up and will quickly become a favorite. With a gooey filling and a luscious glaze, they elevate the classic pop tart experience with a homemade touch. Bake a batch today and enjoy the sweet memories they bring!
Ingredients
- 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
- 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons cake flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth; roll into balls.
- Scoop dough portions, create wells for filling, seal them well, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- While cooling on racks, mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (36g)
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
