Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back childhood memories, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies might just steal your heart. Imagine biting into a soft, warm cookie filled with gooey cinnamon goodness and topped with a delightful glaze. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home not just for its taste but also for its simplicity. Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight dessert or a family gathering, they are sure to impress.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion. They bring that nostalgic pop tart flavor without the fuss. Plus, their lovely cinnamon filling makes them the ideal companion for cozy evenings or festive celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, nostalgic flavors of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you likely have on hand. Perfect for whipping up a batch of tasty cookies!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist!
• Switch Up the Spices: Try using nutmeg or pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
• Go Fruity: Add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries into the filling for a fruity surprise.
• Glaze Alternatives: Experiment with different flavored glazes—like orange or almond—for an exciting finish.

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 for about 2-3 minutes until creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Then add in your vanilla extract and eggs, beating again until everything is well blended.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Mixing your dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on medium speed until everything comes together. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl!

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Once mixed, cover your dough and pop it in the fridge for about an hour. Chilling helps solidify the fats in your dough which will result in thicker cookies that hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier!

Step 5: Make the Filling

While waiting for your dough to chill, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth in a medium bowl. This filling is what will make each bite of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies so special!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out about 1/4 cup of chilled dough using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Divide each portion in half and create a little well in one half. Place a ball of filling inside this well before covering it with the other half of dough. Pinch the seams closed carefully—this seals all that delicious filling inside!

Step 7: Bake!

Place your formed cookie balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until they’re lightly golden brown around the edges and just set on top. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 8: Ice Your Cookies

While they cool completely, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Once cooled, drizzle this delightful icing over each cookie while it’s resting on parchment paper—let it spread beautifully to cover those tasty treats!

And there you have it! A batch of delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ready to be shared (or enjoyed all by yourself). Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making these cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures an even mix, which contributes to the softness of your cookies.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour helps solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies that won’t spread too much during baking.

• Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, while also helping the cookies bake evenly.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different; checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time can help prevent overbaking and keep them soft.

• Let them cool completely: Cooling the cookies on a wire rack will help them firm up and maintain their shape, while also enhancing their flavor as they set.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing. Here are some lovely ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or festive sprinkles on top of the icing can add a fun pop of color and make these cookies perfect for any celebration.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of cinnamon over the icing can enhance the warm flavors and provide an inviting aroma that draws everyone in.
• Chopped Nuts: Adding some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze adds a delightful crunch and complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Try using berries, melons, or citrus for a vibrant dish.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving these cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture—perfect for indulging!
• Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage enhances the cozy feeling they bring. A rich hot chocolate or classic coffee would be wonderful companions.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit alongside these cookies adds a healthy touch to your dessert table while still offering sweetness.

Enjoy making and sharing your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They are sure to become a favorite treat in your household.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing them (see below).

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then 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.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Wondering more about these delightful treats? Here are some common questions!

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

Yes! While light brown sugar gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with dark brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a different taste.

How should I store my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, follow freezing instructions above!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cinnamon filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch. For every cup of cake flour needed, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, then add back the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Are Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies suitable for special diets?

These cookies are versatile! You can easily adapt the recipe by using dairy-free butter and milk alternatives if needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as I am! They’re not just delicious; they carry that nostalgic feel of classic pop tarts while being easy enough to whip up any time. Enjoy creating this sweet treat and sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!