Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar, making them perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. I love sharing these with friends, as they remind us of those classic pop tarts from childhood, but with a homemade twist that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you want a sweet snack for movie night or need something special to bring to a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to please. They’re soft, gooey in the middle, and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze that takes them over the top. Trust me, once you try these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Gather these items before you start baking:

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 Icing

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

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! If you want to switch things up or try new flavors, here are some ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Incorporate some chocolate chips into the dough for an extra sweet surprise.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
• Mix in Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch to your cookies.
• Use Different Glazes: Swap out the cinnamon glaze for a vanilla or chocolate glaze if you’d like.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by adding the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into your mixing bowl. Beat them on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets in your mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Once it’s creamy and well combined, add in the vanilla extract and eggs. Beat again until everything is light and fluffy—this should take about another 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that everything is evenly distributed before combining them with your wet mixture. Gradually add this dry mix to your creamed mixture while beating on medium speed until just combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed! Once mixed well, cover the dough tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour; this helps firm up the dough.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly from start to finish.

Step 4: Prepare Your Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. This filling adds that gooey goodness inside each cookie! Use a heaping teaspoon to scoop out portions of this filling and roll them into small balls—this makes it easy to incorporate them later.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Once your dough has chilled enough, scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Break it in half to create two equal pieces. Make a well in one half of the dough ball and place one ball of filling inside it. Press down with the other half on top of the filling and pinch closed around all edges. This seals in that delicious filling!

Step 6: Bake

Arrange your cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart—give them space so they can spread while baking! Bake for about 11-13 minutes until they are just set at the tops but still slightly soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Ice Your Cookies

While waiting for those heavenly treats to cool down completely, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth in texture. Place parchment paper under your cooling rack so any drips don’t mess up your countertop! Spoon icing generously over each cookie once they’re cool enough—let it spread naturally towards the edges for that beautiful finish! Allow icing to set for about 15 minutes before indulging.

And there you have it—your very own batch of delectable Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These cookies are a delightful treat that can easily impress friends and family! Here are some tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them combine more easily, resulting in a smoother dough that’s easier to work with.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, keeping that perfect chewy center.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender, soft bites.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This ensures you don’t pack too much flour into your cookies, which could make them dry.

• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack before icing helps prevent the glaze from melting into the warm cookies, keeping them beautifully iced.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself after a long day, here are some presentation ideas that will make these pop tart cookies shine.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze adds a fun pop of color and makes these cookies even more festive.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the glaze enhances the cinnamon flavor and gives an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries or raspberries provide a fresh and tangy complement to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing out flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea makes an excellent companion for these cookies, enhancing their cozy appeal.
• Milk: A classic choice, serving these cookies with a glass of cold milk is always comforting and satisfying.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Whether you indulge solo or share with loved ones, these treats are sure to bring joy. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or even longer. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them even longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 10 days.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake frozen cookies for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! Using only brown sugar will give your cookies a richer flavor and deeper color. Just remember that it may change the texture slightly, making them chewier.

How should I store my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for an extended shelf life. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will still taste great stored properly!

Can I add other fillings besides cinnamon?

Yes! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Nut butter, fruit preserves, or chocolate chips can add fun variations to your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

How long do Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies last?

When stored correctly, these cookies can last for up to five days at room temperature or up to three months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a warm hug in cookie form. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself with a cup of tea. Dive into this delightful recipe and let it bring joy into your kitchen. Happy baking!