Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will remind you of cozy childhood mornings, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just what you need! They bring back the nostalgia of biting into a warm pop tart, but with an extra special homemade touch. The gooey cinnamon filling paired with a sweet glaze makes them irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

I love how simple they are to make and how much joy they bring to my loved ones. Trust me, once you bake up a batch, they’ll vanish in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the taste of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies—kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking. These items are easy to find and perfect for creating your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

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 these cookies is how flexible they can be! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Try Different Fillings: Use fruit preserves or nut butters instead of cinnamon filling for a unique twist.
• Top with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing for a festive touch.
• Make Them Smaller: Roll smaller balls of dough for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar to your mixing bowl. Beat them together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture we all love!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature!) and vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the overall moisture in your cookie dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients like cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before adding it to your wet mixture. Once combined, slowly incorporate this dry mix into your wet ingredients on medium speed until just blended.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully while also making it easier to handle when forming your cookies.

Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

While waiting for the dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper so that your cookies won’t stick during baking.

Step 6: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, stir together softened butter, packed light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. This filling will create that gooey center that makes these cookies special!

Step 7: Assemble Your Cookies

Take out your chilled dough and scoop out generous portions using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop—about 1/4 cup each works well! Split each portion in half; create a well in one half and place a ball of filling inside before covering it with the other half. Pinch those seams closed tightly!

Step 8: Bake

Arrange those lovely cookie balls on your prepared sheets about two inches apart. Bake them for about 11-13 minutes until just set around the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Make the Icing

While those delicious cookies cool down, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. The icing adds sweetness and ties everything together beautifully!

Step 10: Ice Your Cookies

Once cooled completely, place parchment paper under your cooling rack and spoon icing over each cookie—let it spill over slightly for that charming look! Allow them to set for around fifteen minutes before diving in.

Enjoy every delightful bite of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with family or friends—it’s hard not to share such goodness!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter and eggs at room temperature helps create a smooth, well-blended dough that bakes evenly. This little trick can make a big difference in texture!

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in softer, thicker cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges and just set in the middle. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking slightly.

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features a delicious cinnamon filling, feel free to get creative! Try using different flavors like chocolate or fruit preserves to customize your cookies based on your mood or occasion.

• Let them cool completely before icing: Allowing the cookies to cool completely before adding the icing ensures that it doesn’t melt into a puddle. You want that beautiful glaze to sit nicely on top!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with friends. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon over the icing adds an extra layer of flavor and makes for a lovely presentation.
• Drizzle of chocolate: For an indulgent twist, drizzle some melted dairy-free chocolate over the top of each cookie for a rich complement to the sweetness.
• Chopped nuts: Adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts can introduce some crunch and contrast in texture while enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a lovely contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies. It’s a great way to balance out your dessert spread!
• Vanilla almond milk: Serve these cookies alongside a glass of chilled vanilla almond milk. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the soft cookie and enhances its flavor.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements these cookies wonderfully, making it perfect for afternoon snacks or cozy evenings by the fire.
• Ice cream: For an extra special treat, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top. It creates a delightful sundae that’s sure to impress!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only make delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies but also create memorable moments around them. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge 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 for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the cookies in an oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave one cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful cookies.

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

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, but it may slightly alter the texture. The cookies will be chewier and have a deeper flavor!

How long do Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of butter in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version while keeping the delicious taste intact!

Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to get creative. Adding chocolate chips or nuts can give your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They bring back sweet memories of childhood treats while adding a personal touch. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and get baking! You’ll create something truly special that everyone will love. Happy baking!