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! These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon filling that will make your taste buds dance. The best part? They are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet addition to your family gatherings. Plus, they store well, making them an excellent snack for later!

I love how these cookies combine the nostalgia of pop tarts with homemade goodness. Every bite is like a warm hug, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet cinnamon flavor; it’s a treat everyone can enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave something sweet.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night at home, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have on hand. Gather up these items for a delicious homemade treat:

For the 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 Tablespoons cake flour

For the Glaze

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

Variations

This recipe is flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies:

• Add Some Spice: Consider mixing in some nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra kick.
• Stuff with Jam: Swap out the filling for your favorite fruit jam to create a fruity version of these delicious cookies.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the glaze for an indulgent twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Ingredients

Start by adding the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer (or use a hand mixer). Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, which gives your cookies that lovely soft texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Continue beating for another 1-2 minutes until everything is light and fluffy. This combination of ingredients creates depth in flavor and ensures your cookies have that rich taste we all love.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients—cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—until well combined. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while beating on medium speed. Do this until it’s just combined; be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once combined, cover the dough and chill in the fridge for one hour. Chilling helps solidify the fats in your dough so they don’t spread too much while baking.

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy!

Step 5: Make The Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together all filling ingredients until smooth. Use about two teaspoons of this mixture per cookie; roll it into small balls and place them on your prepared sheet. This gooey center is what makes these cookies truly special!

Step 6: Form The Cookie Dough Balls

Using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop, portion out chilled dough. Split each portion in half to create a well in one half. Place a filling ball inside this well before covering it with the other half of dough. Pinch sealed edges tightly together to keep that delicious filling from escaping during baking.

Step 7: Bake The Cookies

Place cookie dough balls onto your lined sheets about two inches apart. Bake them for about 11-13 minutes until their tops are just set and edges turn lightly golden brown. After pulling them from the oven, let them cool on their sheets for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Glaze Away!

While cooling happens, whip up your icing by combining all glaze ingredients until smooth. Spoon this over each cooled cookie while letting it spread naturally toward edges—this adds such a lovely finish! Allow glaze to set for about 15 minutes before finally enjoying every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making cookies can be so much fun, especially when you have a few handy tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother dough, leading to better texture and flavor in your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for an hour not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavors as they meld together, resulting in a rich cookie.

• Don’t Overbake: Keeping an eye on your cookies while they bake is crucial. They should be set but still soft in the center; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Fillings: While the cinnamon filling is delicious, don’t hesitate to try other flavors like vanilla or chocolate. It’s a fun way to customize each batch!

• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can even freeze them for later enjoyment—just thaw at room temperature before serving!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils on top of the glaze adds a festive touch that makes these cookies even more inviting.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the icing gives a lovely crunch and complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad pairs well with these sweet cookies, providing a nice balance of flavors.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert combo that everyone will love.
• Milk or Nut Milk: There’s nothing quite like dipping these cookies into a glass of cold milk (or almond milk) for that nostalgic pop tart experience!
• Coffee or Tea: Brewed coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing, enhancing the warm spices of the cinnamon filling while providing a relaxing vibe.

Enjoy these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to best manage your stash:

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your container with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

Can I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

How do I know when my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the tops are just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour?

Whole wheat flour will change the texture of your cookies, making them denser. If you want a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the cake flour with whole wheat flour.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder, which will work similarly in this recipe.

How should I store my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They’re soft, gooey, and bring back those nostalgic flavors we all love. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just treating yourself during the week, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!