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! Imagine soft, chewy cookies filled with a gooey cinnamon mixture and topped with a sweet glaze. They taste just like those classic pop tarts we all love but in cookie form! These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even cozy weekend baking sessions. They’re not just delicious; they also fill your kitchen with the warm scents of cinnamon and sugar.

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these scrumptious cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself!) in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal effort and basic ingredients, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies! These sweet treats will surely be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you need a sweet snack.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delectable Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Grab your apron, and let’s gather what you need!

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

The beauty of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients.

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
• Try different spices: Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin spice or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
• Experiment with fillings: Use fruit preserves or jams instead of cinnamon filling for a fruity surprise.
• Make them festive: Add sprinkles on top of the icing for birthdays or holidays to make them extra special!

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by adding the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into your mixing bowl. Beat them together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your mixture, which helps create a soft cookie texture. Next, add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, continuing to beat for another minute or two.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these together ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients while beating on medium speed until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed!

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough so that it’s easier to handle later on, preventing any spreading during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your filling. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour for your filling. Stir until smooth; this filling will become gooey as it bakes inside each cookie.

Step 6: Form Your Cookies

Scoop out heaping teaspoons of filling and roll them into balls. Then take about 1/4 cup of chilled cookie dough and break it in half. Make a well in one half of the dough ball to place your cinnamon filling inside before sealing it up with the other half. Pinch the seams tightly so that no filling escapes during baking!

Step 7: Bake & Cool

Arrange your cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake them for 11-13 minutes until they are just set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Ice & Enjoy!

While cooling, prepare your icing by whisking together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Once cooled completely, drizzle icing over each cookie—let it set for about 15 minutes before indulging!

Now you have delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ready to enjoy! Whether sharing with friends or savoring alone with coffee or tea—these cookies are sure to bring joy!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and these simple tips will help ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps them blend more easily, creating a smooth dough that bakes evenly.

• Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making it easier to remove your cookies without breaking them.

• Bake in batches: If you have multiple trays of cookies, bake them one at a time on the center rack for even heat distribution. This way, you’ll avoid unevenly baked cookies!

• Let them cool before icing: Allowing your cookies to cool completely before adding the icing ensures that it sets properly without melting into a puddle of sweetness.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party. Here are some fun ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing for an extra festive touch that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with berries and citrus provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Hot chocolate: Serve these cookies with a mug of rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these cookies with your favorite brewed beverage enhances their flavors and makes for a lovely afternoon snack.

Enjoy these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with friends and family, and don’t forget to share them at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend their freshness for another week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you while making your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

Can I use different types of sugar in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Yes! While light brown sugar gives the cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with granulated sugar or dark brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that using dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor.

How do I prevent my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted. Chilling the cookie dough before baking also helps maintain their shape.

Can I make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for proper texture.

What is the best way to store Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

The best way to store these cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They are perfect for sharing with friends or savoring during your quiet moments. Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting—so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. Happy baking!