Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the thing! They have a gooey cinnamon filling and a sweet cinnamon glaze that makes them a perfect addition to any dessert table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight craving or a family gathering, these cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Plus, they store wonderfully, so you can enjoy them throughout the week—or share with friends! Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: These cookies come together quickly, making them great for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With their sweet filling and fun shape, kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, saving you time on busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon delivers a warm, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Most of these should be staples in your kitchen, making this recipe even more accessible!

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

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet treat, toss in some chocolate chips into the dough or filling.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a unique twist.
• Use Almond Extract: Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a nutty flavor.
• Make Mini Cookies: Use smaller cookie scoops to create bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing.

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 brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture we all love!

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the vanilla extract and eggs. Continue beating for another 1-2 minutes until smooth. The eggs not only add moisture but also help bind everything together.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to combine these before adding them to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 4: Chill Your Dough

Now it’s time to combine wet and dry ingredients! Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet mixture while mixing on medium speed. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it. Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it holds its shape while baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While your dough chills, let’s make that delicious gooey filling! In a medium bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until smooth. This filling adds a delightful surprise inside each cookie!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough using either a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Divide it in half—create a well in one half and place about two teaspoons of filling inside. Press the other half of dough on top and pinch the seams closed to seal in that yummy filling!

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Arrange your cookie dough balls on lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F for about 11-13 minutes until just set with lightly golden edges. Let them cool for five minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack—they’ll continue cooking slightly from residual heat!

Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze

While those cookies are cooling down nicely, let’s make our icing! Whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Place parchment paper under your cooling rack and drizzle icing over each cookie generously. Let it set for about 15 minutes before enjoying these decadent treats!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ready to be shared with family or savored all by yourself! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking is all about precision and creativity, so here are some pro tips to help you achieve the perfect batch of cookies!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs ensures that they blend together smoothly, creating a fluffy dough that bakes evenly.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for an hour not only helps to firm it up for easier handling but also enhances the flavors and texture of your cookies.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; pulling them out when they are just set will make sure they stay soft and chewy rather than hard and crunchy.

• Customize Your Filling: Feel free to play around with different fillings! You could try adding chocolate chips or swapping in other spices to create a flavor profile that you love.

• Let the Icing Set: Giving your icing time to set not only makes for beautiful cookies but also enhances their flavor by allowing everything to meld together perfectly.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the icing adds extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the icing once it’s set—this adds richness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness to the dessert table, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with fresh flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
• Milk: The classic pairing! A tall glass of cold milk complements the sweet, gooey filling perfectly—ideal for dunking!

Now you’re all set to make, serve, and relish these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Get ready for smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them easy to whip up ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just want a sweet treat ready at home, these cookies store well and maintain their delightful flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
• If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store 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 them for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

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

Can I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients without using eggs.

How can I make the filling for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies more exciting?

Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the filling. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or even add a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle after chilling, try adding a little more cake flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They bring back fond memories of childhood treats while being surprisingly simple to create at home. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family; it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!