Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will bring back memories of childhood, then you’ll adore these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They are soft, chewy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon filling that will make your taste buds dance. What makes this recipe so special is not just how delicious they taste but also how simple they are to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

The best part? You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for when that sweet tooth strikes. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that I know you’re going to love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a baking expert to enjoy these scrumptious cookies!
• Gooey Cinnamon Filling: The rich filling inside adds a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these treats—perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and have a delightful snack on hand whenever you want!
• Customizable Glaze: The icing on top takes these cookies to the next level—you can even experiment with flavors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these yummy Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; most of these are likely already in your pantry!

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 wonderfully flexible! You can tweak it to suit your taste or ingredients on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Change the Spice: Swap out the cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
• Try Different Fillings: Use fruit preserves or chocolate chips instead of the cinnamon filling for a fun twist.
• Decorate with Sprinkles: Add some colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for festive occasions!

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by adding the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer or use a hand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat them together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your mixture, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the vanilla extract and room-temperature eggs. Beat again for another 1-2 minutes until everything is light and fluffy. This mixture will create a rich base full of flavor!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. Then slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on medium speed. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Cover this dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel and chill it in the fridge for one hour. Chilling helps enhance the flavors and makes it easier to handle.

Step 4: Prepare Your Filling

While waiting for the dough to chill, prepare your filling! In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. This will be your gooey surprise inside each cookie!

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Shape Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Once chilled, scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough using a measuring cup (or cookie scoop). Divide each portion in half; create a well in one half and place about two teaspoons of filling inside before pressing the other half over it. Pinch seams together tightly before rolling into balls.

Step 6: Bake & Cool Them Down

Arrange your formed cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake those beauties for about 11-13 minutes until set but still soft at the center. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks—this prevents them from breaking apart.

Step 7: Drizzle with Glaze

As they cool down completely, whisk together all ingredients for your glaze until smooth. Place parchment paper beneath your cooling rack and drizzle icing over each cookie generously! Let it sit for about 15 minutes until set before indulging in these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that the butter creams well with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy dough that bakes evenly.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least an hour helps it firm up, preventing spreading during baking and giving you perfectly shaped cookies.

• Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time to ensure you don’t overbake.

• Let them cool completely before icing: This helps the glaze set properly and prevents it from melting into the warm cookies, keeping them beautifully decorated!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a snack, presentation can make all the difference.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the icing adds an aromatic touch that enhances their flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Crushed pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for added texture and a nutty flavor contrast.
• Colored sprinkles: For a fun twist, add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing to make them extra festive—perfect for parties!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies with its natural acidity.
• Milk or plant-based milk: A classic pairing! Serve these cookies with cold milk (dairy or plant-based) for dipping—it’s comfort food at its finest.
• Coffee or tea: Brewed coffee or herbal tea complements these cookies beautifully, providing warmth and depth to your dessert experience.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake up some joy in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of your delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for a festive gathering or simply want to have a delicious treat on hand, these cookies can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
• For unbaked dough, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Can I use brown sugar substitutes for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use coconut sugar or other granulated sugar alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How do I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the structure and tenderness of the cookies.

Can I add other flavors to my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a little slice of nostalgic joy that can brighten up any day. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—after all, good food is meant to be shared! Happy baking!