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 biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with gooey cinnamon filling and is topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze. They remind me of those classic pop tarts we all loved, but with a homemade twist that makes them even more special. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Baking these cookies is not only fun but also a wonderful way to create lasting memories in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday celebration or just craving something sweet, you’ll find that this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the gooey filling and sweet glaze, making them perfect for family get-togethers or bake sales.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until you’re ready to bake, saving you time on busy days.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon gives these cookies a rich, comforting flavor that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! These ingredients come together beautifully to make soft, delicious cookies your whole family will love.

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 tablespoons cake flour

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: If you love chocolate, mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try Different Spices: Swap out the cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice if you’re looking for a different taste profile.
• Use Nut Butters: Incorporate peanut butter or almond butter into the filling for a nutty twist!
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

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 packed light brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer or use a 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 helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in softer cookies!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in your eggs one at a time along with that lovely vanilla extract. Beat this mixture for another 1-2 minutes until it looks creamy and well combined. The eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Once combined, gradually add this dry mix to your wet mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is just combined—about 1-2 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about one hour. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking so you’ll have nice thick cookies!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for your dough to chill, prepare your filling! In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. This gooey filling will be the heart of your cookies!

Step 6: Assemble Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Now scoop out about two teaspoons of filling and roll it into balls—set them aside on your prepared sheet. Then using a large cookie scoop or measuring cup (about 1/4 cup), take half of your chilled dough and create a well in its center. Place one ball of filling inside this well before covering it with another piece of dough.

Step 7: Bake

Arrange these cookie dough balls about two inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake them for about 11-13 minutes until they are just set at the tops and lightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before moving them onto wire racks.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While your cookies cool down completely, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Spoon this icing generously over each cookie once they’ve cooled slightly—it’s going to look gorgeous!

With these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ready to enjoy, I can’t wait for you to take that first bite! They’re perfect paired with milk or coffee any time of day!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking is always more enjoyable when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: When your butter and eggs are at room temperature, they blend better, creating a smoother dough that leads to softer cookies.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge for an hour helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only makes clean-up a breeze, but it also ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale if possible, especially for the flour. This will help you achieve the perfect cookie texture without any guesswork.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding mini chocolate chips or sprinkles to your dough can give these cookies a fun twist.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a festive holiday dessert. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A dusting of cinnamon over the glaze can enhance flavor and make them visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor of ice cream pair wonderfully with warm cookies, making it an indulgent dessert option.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies, providing a light and healthy side dish.

• Coffee or tea: Brewed beverages like coffee or herbal tea complement the flavors in these cookies beautifully, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or brunch.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends with your deliciously homemade Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat whenever the craving hits. With proper storage methods, you can keep them fresh and delicious for days!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If the cookies become too soft, place them in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• 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 warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies? Here are some common queries!

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

Absolutely! While light brown sugar gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with dark brown sugar for a richer taste or even granulated sugar if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly.

How do I know when my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are done baking?

Your cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and just set on top. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so don’t worry if they look a bit soft—they’ll firm up as they cool!

Can I make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies without cake flour?

Yes! If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour. For every cup of cake flour needed, use one cup of all-purpose flour minus two tablespoons.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in whipping up these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They bring back fond childhood memories while offering a fun twist that everyone will love. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to delight. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends!