Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings nostalgia and joy, you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pop tart, bringing gooey cinnamon goodness right to your kitchen. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a little sweetness.

What makes this recipe so special is not just the delicious flavor but also how easy it is to make. You’ll find yourself reaching for these cookies again and again, whether for a cozy evening at home or as a tasty surprise for friends. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making these cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies! These treats are sure to become a favorite in your house.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared in advance, making baking day even simpler.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that feels like a warm hug.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a regular weekday, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have on hand. They come together beautifully to create soft, chewy cookies with a delightful filling!

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 quite flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking! Here are some fun ideas:

• Switch Up the Filling: Feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate chips or fruit preserves for a different twist.
• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts for an extra texture that pairs well with the soft cookie.
• Try Different Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for added warmth.
• Decorate Your Cookies: Get creative with colorful sprinkles on top of the icing for festive occasions!

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by adding the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar into your mixing bowl. Beat them on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until they become light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your mixture, giving your cookies that perfect soft texture. Then add in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating them together until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients while beating on medium speed until just combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl; we want every bit of that delicious dough! Once mixed, cover it up and let it chill in the fridge for about an hour.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup will help prevent sticking and ensure even baking—no one likes burnt bottoms on their cookies!

Step 4: Create Your Filling

In a separate medium bowl, mix together softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. This filling is what gives our cookies that delightful gooey center. Roll this mixture into small balls using about two teaspoons each. Set them aside while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies

Take your chilled cookie dough out of the refrigerator. Using a measuring cup or large scoop, take about 1/4 cup of dough and divide it in half. Create a well in one half to hold your filling ball. Place one ball of filling inside this well before gently pressing down with the other half of dough on top. Pinch the seams closed carefully; we want all that yummy filling sealed inside!

Step 6: Bake Those Cookies!

Place your assembled cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart—they will spread as they bake! Pop them in the oven for 11-13 minutes until they’re set but still soft at the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 7: Make Icing & Decorate

While they’re cooling down, whisk together all icing ingredients until you reach a smooth consistency. Place parchment paper under your cooling rack to catch any drips from icing as you spoon it over each cookie generously. Allow them to set for about 15 minutes before diving in—trust me; they are worth waiting for!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, but a few pro tips can help you achieve perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie.

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring that your cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Measure accurately: For best results, use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for your ingredients. Accurate measurements prevent issues with texture and flavor.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just set and lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies instead of the soft, gooey centers we love.

• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the cinnamon filling for other flavors like chocolate or fruit preserves to customize your pop tart cookies.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving them. Here are some fun ideas!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A handful of colorful sprinkles on top of the icing adds a festive touch, making them perfect for parties or holidays.
• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze provides a nice crunch and enhances the flavor.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of extra cinnamon over the icing creates a beautiful finish and intensifies that warm spice flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits complements these sweet cookies perfectly without overwhelming them.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat that’s delightful any time of year.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruit alongside your pop tart cookies adds freshness and balances the sweetness nicely.

Enjoy sharing these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with friends and family, or keep them all for yourself—they’re too good to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delightful fresh from the oven, but they also make for a fantastic meal prep option! You can easily whip up a batch and store them for later, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready whenever you crave something special.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they can last up to 2 weeks.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious cookies!

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

While brown sugar gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with coconut sugar or a blend of granulated and brown sugars if needed. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste and texture.

How should I store my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Store your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, consider freezing them!

Can I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) as an alternative binding agent.

What are some variations I can try with Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Feel free to experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate chips. You can also swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or vanilla extract with almond extract to create your own twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a fun family project or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Each bite is filled with warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times. Enjoy every moment in your kitchen and share these treats with loved ones. Happy baking!