Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the nostalgic, flaky goodness of a Pop Tart but wished it could be a little more cookie-like and a lot more fun, then this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. I absolutely adore these — they have that perfect balance of sweet cinnamon filling wrapped in a buttery, soft cookie dough, with just enough icing and sprinkles to make every bite a celebration. Anytime I make these, they disappear within hours, and I’m pretty sure they’ll become a staple for your cookie jar too.
What makes this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe so special is how it captures that classic Pop Tart flavor but in a more grown-up, chewy, homemade cookie form. They’re great for any occasion: think cozy weekend baking, school snacks, or even holiday cookie swaps. Plus, the cinnamon and brown sugar filling feels like a little warm hug, which I personally love on chilly afternoons with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe texture and flavor. I always recommend using the freshest spices and good-quality butter to get that rich taste. Don’t skimp on the brown sugar—it really boosts the depth and gives that wonderful caramel-like undertone to these cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds creaminess and helps the dough hold together while keeping the cookies soft.
- Brown sugar: The packed brown sugar in the dough and filling creates moisture and that distinctive caramel-cinnamon flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the brown sugar’s richness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and help with the dough’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the right balance of structure and tenderness for the cookie dough.
- Baking powder: Gives a slight rise for a soft, tender bite.
- Baking soda: Helps with spread and texture.
- Salt: Enhances and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon: The star spice in the brown sugar filling, adding warmth and a little spice.
- Milk: Used both in the filling and icing for smoothness and to adjust consistency.
- Powdered sugar: For that classic glaze icing on top.
- Sprinkles (optional): Because who can resist a playful pop of color on these cookies?
Variations
I love making this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe my own by tweaking the filling or toppings to suit different moods and seasons. You can easily customize these cookies to fit dietary needs or simply try fun twists to surprise your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great results—just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use flax eggs instead, and these goodies turn vegan-friendly without compromising flavor.
- Fruit Filling Twist: Instead of cinnamon brown sugar, try a jam filling like raspberry or strawberry for a fruity pop tart vibe.
- Spiced Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for extra warmth, especially in colder months.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by cream together the softened unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes in a stand mixer or by hand. Then, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg gets fully incorporated before adding the next so your dough stays smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding carefully using a spatula or the mixer’s slow setting. You want to end up with a dough that’s soft but not sticky—if your kitchen is warm, sometimes chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps with handling.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling
Mix together the cup of brown sugar with cinnamon and the 1/4 cup of milk to create a thick, spreadable filling. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to spread easily—if it’s too runny, just add a little more brown sugar.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Roll out half of the dough on a floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into your desired shapes (I usually go for rectangles to mimic Pop Tarts). Spread a spoonful of the cinnamon filling onto each piece, leaving edges clear for sealing. Then, top with matching dough pieces and press the edges firmly—use a fork to crimp and seal perfectly. This part is super fun and feels impressively like you’re making mini pies.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place assembled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cookies should be lightly golden but still soft in the center. Overbaking makes them dry, so start checking around the 12-minute mark.
Step 6: Make the Icing and Decorate
While cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth but not too runny. Drizzle or spread over the cooled cookies, and top with sprinkles if you want to channel that classic Pop Tart vibe. I always find this final touch makes them feel extra festive and adds a nice sweetness that balances the filling.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of sprinkles for that nostalgic, playful look, but you can also garnish with finely crushed nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon if you want to keep it cozy and understated. Fresh fruit alongside works beautifully too, especially sliced apples or berries for a fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe treats taste delightful with coffee or chai tea, making for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. I’ve also paired them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet dessert plate that never fails to impress guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or holiday gatherings, I like stacking these cookies on a tiered platter, alternating with fruit and small flowers for a charming display. Wrapping a few in cellophane bags with twine makes a thoughtful homemade gift too—everyone loves receiving a cookie gift, right?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, I add a slice of bread to the container—this little trick works wonders for moisture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, unbaked shaped dough or fully baked cookies both freeze great. Just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature—if frozen before baking, just add a minute or two to baking time.
Reheating
To refresh stored cookies, I pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and soften any hardened edges. Microwaves work in a pinch but can make them a bit chewy.
FAQs
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Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe?
While you can substitute, brown sugar is key for the rich caramel flavor and chewy texture these cookies are loved for. Using only granulated sugar will make the filling less moist and flavorful, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you want that classic Pop Tart taste.
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How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Also, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added—keeping it slightly cool and handled gently helps maintain the shape during baking.
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Can I make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free spread like vegan margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk (almond, oat, etc.) for both filling and icing. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a set but still soft center. They might feel a little underdone in the middle but will firm up as they cool, keeping that tender texture you want for these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe feels like the best of both worlds for me—a comforting homemade cookie that also hits all the nostalgia of my favorite childhood treat. Baking them always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent with family, and I love sharing them because they bring smiles every time. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them over and over, and that’s a pretty sweet problem to have. So grab your ingredients, and let’s turn this little piece of heaven into your next favorite treat!
Print
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of classic pop tarts with the comforting texture of soft cookies. These treats feature a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling sandwiched between buttery, brown sugar-infused cookie dough, finished with a simple powdered sugar icing and festive sprinkles. Perfect for dessert or a special breakfast treat, these cookies offer the joy of pop tarts in a new, delicious form.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup milk
Icing and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for icing consistency)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Stir in 1/4 cup milk until you get a thick, spreadable mixture. If the filling is too runny, add a bit more cinnamon or brown sugar to thicken it.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a rectangular or square cookie cutter to cut even shapes. Place half of the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread about a teaspoon of the cinnamon brown sugar filling on each. Top with the remaining cookie cutouts and gently press the edges with a fork to seal the filling inside.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and drizzleable. Adjust the milk quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Decorate the Cookies: Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle with optional decorative sprinkles. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Seal the edges of the cookies well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Keywords: Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, filled cookies, homemade pop tarts, sweet cookies, dessert recipes
