Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, you’ve found it! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are soft, sweet, and filled with a gooey cinnamon filling that will make your taste buds dance. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a little something sweet, or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy their nostalgic flavors. I love making these cookies because they are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Family-friendly: Everyone in the family will adore these cookies—kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you want.
• Deliciously nostalgic: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon will remind you of your favorite childhood snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Let’s gather everything to create these delicious 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 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 quite flexible, allowing you to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Try different spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
• Use different extracts: Experiment with almond or maple extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor.
• Make them smaller: Use a tablespoon scoop instead of a quarter-cup scoop to create mini versions perfect for snacking.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a wonderful texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes. Adding these ingredients now helps bind everything together while enhancing the flavor of your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Once mixed, slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients on medium speed. This ensures everything is evenly distributed without overmixing; we want our cookies to be tender!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough so that your cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easier and ensures that your cookies don’t stick!

Step 6: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour. Stir until smooth. This filling will add that delicious gooey center reminiscent of classic pop tarts.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cookies

Using a heaping teaspoon (about two teaspoons), scoop out some filling and roll it into balls. Set these aside on your prepared baking sheet. Then take about 1/4 cup of chilled dough; break it in half to create a well in one half for the filling. Place one ball of filling inside the well before pressing down with the other half of dough on top. Pinch the seams closed gently.

Step 8: Bake

Arrange your cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake them for about 11-13 minutes until just set around the edges and lightly golden brown on top. Allow them to cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make Icing

While they cool down, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Place some parchment paper under your cooling rack, then spoon icing over each cookie generously—let it spread naturally to create beautiful drips!

Step 10: Enjoy!

After letting them set for about 15 minutes, they’re ready! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are sure to bring smiles all around—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature allows for better mixing and a smoother dough, resulting in soft, chewy cookies.

• Chill the dough: Chilling your cookie dough isn’t just for flavor; it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. This extra step ensures you get those perfect pop tart cookie shapes.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just set in the middle when you take them out; they’ll continue to cook slightly while cooling on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features a delicious cinnamon filling, don’t hesitate to try out other flavors like chocolate or berry jam for a fun twist on classic pop tarts!

• Mix the icing until smooth: For that perfect glaze, make sure your icing is lump-free and smooth before applying it to the cookies. This will give them a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. Here are some ideas on how to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils can add a festive touch, making these cookies even more appealing for special occasions.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon powder over the glaze gives an extra hint of spice and enhances the overall flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Adding crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the icing can provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs beautifully with these cookies, enhancing their sweet flavors while providing a cozy atmosphere.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies. Try using seasonal fruits like berries, apples, and citrus.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience; the warm cookie contrasts perfectly with cold ice cream.
• Milk: A classic pairing! Whether it’s dairy or plant-based milk, it’s always delightful to dunk your cookies in a glass of milk.

Enjoy making and sharing these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavor throughout the week. Whether you want to bake them in advance or store leftovers, these cookies hold up beautifully!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For prolonged freshness, layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Once the cookies are fully cooled, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the 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 reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

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

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

While whole wheat flour is healthier, it might change the texture of your cookies. Cake flour provides a lighter, softer crumb, making it ideal for this recipe.

How do I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of it to help with texture.

What can I use as a filling besides cinnamon?

Feel free to experiment! Try fruit preserves like strawberry or raspberry, or even chocolate chips for a different twist on these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

How long will Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Their gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze make them a delightful treat for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and memories made while enjoying these cookies! Happy baking!