Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a sweet twist on the classic pop tart, and they fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon. What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare and enjoy. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight dessert or sharing them at a family gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they also have that perfect gooey filling that will make you want to bake them again and again. Plus, they store well, so you can always have some on hand for those late-night cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re a fun treat that everyone can help make.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or just an ordinary day, these cookies will brighten up any moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This list includes everything you need to create those irresistible 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 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies:

• Add Some Chocolate: Toss in some chocolate chips or chunks into the filling for an extra indulgent treat.
• Fruit Filling Option: Substitute part of the filling with fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Frosting Fun: Instead of glaze, top your cookies with your favorite frosting for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to your mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nice and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming introduces air into the mixture, making your cookies light and tender. Once fluffy, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures that everything is evenly distributed before we combine them with our wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add those dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Beat on medium speed until just combined—make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Afterward, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it holds its shape during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

While your dough chills, let’s make that delicious filling! In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. This filling will give our cookies that gooey center we’re after!

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out about ¼ cup of cookie dough using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Divide it in half; create a well in one half where you’ll place about two teaspoons of your filling. Press the other half of dough over this filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal it inside.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Place rolled balls onto prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F for about 11-13 minutes until they’re set but still soft in the middle. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze Away

While your cookies cool completely on the rack, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Place parchment paper under your cooling rack and drizzle icing over each cookie generously—this adds that final sweet touch! Let everything set for about 15 minutes before digging in!

Enjoy your delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with family or friends—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs allows them to mix more easily, creating a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.

• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the cookies to cool completely before icing them will help the glaze set better, resulting in a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not just tasty; they also make a lovely presentation for any occasion! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful jimmies on top of the icing adds a festive touch that’s fun for celebrations.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch and contrast to the soft cookie.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the icing enhances the flavor and gives a beautiful rustic look.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies creates a perfect contrast of warm and cold.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies with refreshing flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy treat during chilly days.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoying these cookies with your favorite coffee or herbal tea elevates snack time into a delightful experience.

Enjoy creating, sharing, and savoring these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, making it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious treats, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use other types of sugar for the Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Yes! While brown sugar adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.

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

The cookies should have set tops and lightly golden edges. A little underbaking is okay as they will continue to cook slightly while cooling.

Can I add other fillings to my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fillings like fruit preserves or nut butters for a unique twist!

What makes these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies special?

Their gooey cinnamon filling combined with the soft, buttery cookie creates a nostalgic treat reminiscent of childhood favorites.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They bring warmth and joy to any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Enjoy every bite and share them with loved ones — there’s nothing quite like homemade treats to spread happiness. Happy baking!