Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with homemade goodness, you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a sweet reminder of childhood and will surely become a favorite in your home. With their gooey cinnamon filling and a drizzle of cinnamon glaze, they taste just like the classic pop tart but with a comforting twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Get ready to enjoy warm cookies that fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats! They’re great for after-school snacks or dessert.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, so you always have cookie dough on hand when a craving strikes!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, you only need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s gather everything you need!

For the Cookies

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Chocolate: Toss in some chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise in every bite!
• Try Different Spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice to give the filling a new flavor twist.
• Make It Festive: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for birthdays or holidays!
• Go Nutty: Fold in some chopped nuts into the filling for added crunch.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer (or use a hand mixer). Beat them together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture!

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the vanilla extract and eggs. Beat again for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined. This not only adds flavor but ensures that your cookies have that rich taste we all love.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients—cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Once mixed, gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while mixing on medium speed. This helps prevent lumps from forming in your dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

After combining everything well (don’t forget to scrape down the sides), cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it’s easier to handle when shaping those adorable cookies.

Step 5: Prepare Filling Balls

While waiting for the dough to chill, let’s prepare our filling! In a medium bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. Use a heaping teaspoon to scoop out filling portions. Roll them into balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, take out your cookie dough and scoop about ¼ cup with a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Break it in half; create a well in one half. Place one ball of filling inside it before pressing down with the other half of dough on top. Pinch seams closed carefully; this keeps that gooey goodness inside!

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Arrange your cookie balls about two inches apart on another lined baking sheet. Bake them at 350°F for about 11-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks—this helps set their form!

Step 8: Drizzle with Icing

While those cookies cool down tantalizingly on the rack, let’s make our icing! Whisk together powdered sugar with melted butter, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Spoon this delightful glaze over each cookie once they’ve cooled completely; let it spread naturally as it sets—so inviting!

Enjoy every bite of these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They are sure to be an instant favorite in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll elevate your baking game to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and allows the cookies to rise properly. Cold butter or eggs can lead to dense cookies.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour not only makes it easier to handle but also prevents spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies due to gluten development.
• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking; they should look set but slightly soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe focuses on a cinnamon filling, feel free to get creative! Try adding chocolate chips or fruit preserves for a unique twist.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Presenting your delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can turn any gathering into a special occasion. Here are some fun ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Sprinkled cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor in your cookies.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch and complement the soft texture of the cookies.
• Colorful sprinkles: For a festive flair, especially during holidays, sprinkle some colorful edible decorations on top of the glaze.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat reminiscent of childhood snacks.
• Coffee or tea: The warm flavors of coffee or tea perfectly complement the sweet and spicy notes in these cookies, making them ideal for afternoon gatherings.
• Vanilla ice cream: For a decadent dessert option, serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the contrast of hot and cold is simply irresistible!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side dish that balances out the sweetness of the cookies with vibrant flavors and textures.

Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are sure to impress everyone at the table. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just want to have a sweet treat on hand, these cookies can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to 10 days.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until firm.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
• If desired, drizzle with fresh icing after reheating!

FAQs

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

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

While you can substitute regular granulated sugar, using brown sugar gives the cookies their signature chewy texture and rich flavor. If you must use granulated sugar, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses for added moisture and flavor.

How do I make the filling for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

The filling is simple! Mix softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cake flour until smooth. It creates that delicious gooey center that pairs perfectly with the cookie!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit preserves to the filling. Just remember that any additions should complement the cinnamon flavor.

How long do Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days. They’ll last even longer in the fridge!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only easy to prepare but also bring back those nostalgic flavors we all love. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging all by yourself! Have fun baking, and remember that sweet treats always taste better when shared. Enjoy every bite!