Irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly magical about cookies that transport us back to our childhood, and these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies do just that! With their soft texture and gooey cinnamon filling, they remind me of those delightful treats we all loved as kids. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday celebration, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to make and enjoy. You can whip up a batch in no time, and they store beautifully, so you can savor them throughout the week. Trust me; once you take a bite of these delicious cookies topped with a creamy cinnamon glaze, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Perfectly nostalgic: These cookies have all the flavors of classic pop tarts that will bring back fond memories.
– Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can bake these delightful cookies with ease.
– Great for sharing: Whether it’s a holiday party or a simple afternoon treat, everyone will love these cookies.
– Customizable: You can easily tweak the filling or glaze to suit your taste preferences.
– Store well: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them perfect for meal prep or snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookies
– 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 Cinnamon 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
One of the best things about baking is how you can adapt recipes to fit your taste! Here are some fun variations for your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies:
– Add chocolate chips: Mix in some mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra layer of sweetness.
– Try different spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a cozy twist on flavor.
– Use fruit preserves: Instead of cinnamon filling, try using your favorite fruit preserves for a fruity surprise inside!
– Experiment with icing flavors: Replace the vanilla in the glaze with almond extract or lemon juice for a refreshing zing.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Incorporating air into this mixture is key for achieving that soft texture we love. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract and beat again for another minute or two.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until well combined. This includes cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry components ensures even distribution of leavening agents which helps your cookies rise perfectly when baked.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients and mix on medium speed until just combined—about 1–2 minutes should do it. Make sure you stop occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Once combined, cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for one hour. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 4: Prepare Filling Balls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting for your dough to chill. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. Using about two teaspoons of this filling mixture per cookie, roll them into small balls and set aside on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Form Cookie Balls
Once chilled, use a measuring cup or large cookie scoop to portion out roughly one-fourth of your dough. Split each piece in half; create a well in one half and place one filling ball inside. Press down gently with the other half of dough on top and pinch seams together to seal in that delicious filling. Roll gently into balls.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Arrange your formed cookie balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 11–13 minutes until their tops are set with lightly golden edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make The Glaze
While your cookies cool down, it’s time to prepare the icing! Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth—this creates that delightful topping we all adore on our cookies! Place parchment paper under your cooling rack before spooning icing over each cookie generously so it spreads toward the edges beautifully.
Allow everything to set for around fifteen minutes before diving in! Enjoy every delicious bite of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as they bring warmth and joy into every moment shared with family or friends!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Baking cookies can be such a joyful experience! With these tips, you can ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time. Let’s get baking!
– Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth and well-blended dough. This helps in achieving that light and fluffy texture we all love!
– Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling your dough for an hour helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in cookies that hold their shape during baking.
– Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your cake flour accurately for the best results.
– Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them just set and lightly golden at the edges, so don’t let them bake too long!
– Get creative with fillings: While this recipe features a delicious cinnamon filling, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or fruit preserves for a unique twist.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Serving these delightful cookies is just as fun as making them! They can be enjoyed warm, cool, or even alongside your favorite beverages. Here are some ideas to present your cookies beautifully.
Garnishes
– Sprinkles: Add a pop of color by sprinkling some colorful sprinkles on top of the icing before it sets.
– Cinnamon sugar dusting: For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the cookies right after icing them.
Side Dishes
– Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting treat any time of day.
– Milk: A classic pairing! Serve these cookies with cold milk for that nostalgic feeling reminiscent of childhood snacks.
– Ice cream: Top your cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead can make baking fun and easy! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be made in advance and stored properly for maximum freshness.
Storing Leftovers
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them soft and chewy!
– For longer storage, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
– Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months!
– To bake from frozen, simply add an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
– If you want to enjoy warm cookies later, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
– Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
Sometimes questions arise while baking; here are some common ones regarding these delightful cookies:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it will change the texture slightly. The cookies may be denser than intended. If possible, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a balance.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden brown while the tops look just set. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat, so it’s best to take them out when they still look slightly underdone.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free if necessary.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re excited to whip up these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They really do capture all the nostalgia of classic pop tarts while being incredibly easy to make. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family into the kitchen, and enjoy this delightful treat together! Happy baking!
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and beat again for another minute or two.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until well combined. This includes cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients and mix on medium speed until just combined—about 1–2 minutes. Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. Roll into small balls and set aside.
- Once chilled, use a measuring cup or large cookie scoop to portion out roughly one-fourth of your dough. Create a well in one half and place one filling ball inside. Press down gently with the other half of dough on top and pinch seams together to seal.
- Arrange your formed cookie balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 11–13 minutes until tops are set with lightly golden edges. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Spoon icing over each cookie generously so it spreads toward the edges beautifully. Allow to set for around fifteen minutes before serving.
