Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic flavors, then these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the cozy warmth of brown sugar and cinnamon swirled inside a tender, buttery cookie that looks just like a classic pop tart, but way better because it’s homemade. This recipe blends the perfect balance of chewy cookie exterior with a sweet, cinnamon-spiked filling, finished off with a simple glaze and sprinkles to bring all the fun and flavor together. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will delight your taste buds and make any day feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing that authentic Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies magic. Each one plays an important role, from the creamy butter that makes the cookies rich and tender, to the brown sugar that adds a deep caramel flavor you won’t be able to resist.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter helps the dough come together smoothly while adding richness without extra saltiness.
• Brown sugar (twice!): Packed brown sugar in the dough gives moisture and chew, while the brown sugar in the filling adds that signature caramelized sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes a bit of crispness to the cookie edges.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it just the right texture.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give a slight lift, keeping the cookies soft yet sturdy enough to hold their filling.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
• Cinnamon: Key for the filling, giving those quintessential pop tart vibes.
• Milk: Used to adjust the icing consistency for a smooth, glossy finish.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of a simple yet irresistible glaze.
• Sprinkles (optional): Because who doesn’t love a fun, colorful touch on a sweet treat?

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step is crucial because it sets the tone for the cookie’s texture—creamy and tender. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract to bring all those flavors to life.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your raising agents and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, blending until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix here—you want the dough tender, not tough.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup brown sugar with the cinnamon. This simple filling will give these cookies that warm, spiced character that makes them so memorable.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Divide the dough roughly in half. Roll out one half between two sheets of parchment paper into a large rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon brown sugar filling evenly over it. Then carefully place the second dough half on top and gently press down. Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, slice into individual rectangular cookies, much like pop tarts.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden but the centers remain soft. Let them cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Make and Add the Icing

Whisk powdered sugar with 1/4 cup milk until smooth and pourable, adding more milk as needed for the right consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and top with sprinkles if you’re feeling festive.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of cinnamon or a handful of colorful sprinkles elevates these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies to party-ready perfection. You can even try mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence. Garnishes add visual appeal and introduce playful textures that make every bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a dream alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, offering a sweet counterpoint to your warm drink. For an extra cozy experience, serve them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. The creamy pairings balance the cookie’s sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Put your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies on a decorative platter or stack them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin. You can also wrap a few in wax paper tied with twine for an adorable edible gift that friends and family will rave about. Presentation is part of the fun with treats like these.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, these cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The brown sugar filling retains its soft texture, and the cookie stays tender without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked cookies by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To enjoy freshly baked warmth, pop leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. The filling becomes delightfully gooey and the cookie just softens perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Absolutely! Light brown sugar will work just fine and give you a slightly milder molasses flavor, but the overall taste will still be deliciously sweet and rich.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make a gluten-free version.

Can I make the filling without cinnamon?

While cinnamon is what gives these cookies their signature pop tart quality, you could substitute with pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different but still delicious twist.

Do I have to use sprinkles on top?

Not at all! Sprinkles add a fun touch but the cookies taste incredible without them. Feel free to get creative with chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate instead.

What’s the best way to roll out the dough?

Rolling the dough between parchment paper sheets keeps it from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. It’s also helpful to chill the dough slightly if it becomes too soft while rolling.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic charm and cozy flavors packed into these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself on a quiet afternoon. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they disappear—these cookies are truly a homemade treat everyone will love!

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