Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines nostalgia and homemade goodness, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are sure to be a hit! With their gooey cinnamon filling and sweet cinnamon glaze, they bring back fond memories of childhood snacks but with a warm, comforting twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. You’ll find that they make the kitchen smell heavenly while they bake!

These cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait for you to try them. Gather your loved ones around, because once you share them, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and fun!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out, especially when it comes to rolling the filling and decorating the cookies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for holidays, birthdays, or just as a sweet surprise after dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

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

Feel free to get creative with your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra indulgent treat.
• Try Other Fillings: Swap out the cinnamon filling for fruit preserves or nut butter for a different flavor profile.
• Top with Sprinkles: After icing your cookies, add colorful sprinkles on top to make them festive and fun!
• Experiment with Flavors: Use flavored extracts like almond or maple instead of vanilla for a unique twist.

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 a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy! Next, add in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time. Continue mixing until everything is well combined—this should take another minute or so.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that everything is evenly distributed before combining them with your wet mixture. Once combined, gradually add this blend into your wet ingredients while mixing on medium speed. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed! Once everything is mixed well, cover your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour—this helps develop great flavor and makes it easier to handle.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour. Stir until smooth; this filling will be gooey goodness inside your cookies! Use about two teaspoons of this mixture per cookie; roll each scoop into balls and set them aside on one of your prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

After chilling your dough for an hour, scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Divide each portion in half; create a well in one piece of dough. Place one ball of filling inside this well before pressing the other half on top. Pinch the seams tightly to seal in all that delicious filling! Roll each filled dough ball gently to ensure it holds together.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Arrange your cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart—they will spread while baking. Bake in your preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes or until you see that golden edge forming but still soft center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks—they’ll firm up nicely!

Step 7: Add That Sweet Glaze

As your cookies cool down completely, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Place parchment paper under cooling racks before spooning icing generously over each cookie—watch it spread beautifully! Allow it to set for around 15 minutes before diving in.

Enjoy these homemade Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with friends or family—they’re bound to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more amazing!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs ensures that they blend smoothly for a light and fluffy cookie dough.

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfect little rounds.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies and take them out when they are just set. They will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features a delicious cinnamon filling, feel free to get creative! Try adding chocolate chips or other spices for a personalized touch.

• Make ahead and freeze: These cookies freeze beautifully! You can prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and store them in the freezer. Just bake them straight from frozen—perfect for unexpected guests!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ways to serve them that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils can add a festive touch, making these cookies perfect for celebrations or holiday gatherings.
• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze enhances both texture and flavor.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the glaze adds a lovely aroma and extra spice that complements the cookie’s filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies. Serve them à la mode for an indulgent treat!
• Fresh berries: A side of fresh strawberries or blueberries adds a bright burst of flavor and freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Hot cocoa: Enjoy these cookies with a comforting cup of hot cocoa or coffee for cozy afternoons or chilly evenings.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pop tart cookies, making it an excellent accompaniment for brunch or dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will surely impress family and friends at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy their sweet, gooey goodness whenever you crave a treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, storing them for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until soft.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making these delightful cookies!

Can I use brown sugar pop tart cookies dough for other fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as fruit preserves or chocolate chips for a unique twist on your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

How do I make brown sugar pop tart cookies gluten-free?

To make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I make brown sugar pop tart cookies vegan?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use vegan butter in place of regular butter for a delicious vegan version of these cookies.

How long do brown sugar pop tart cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or even longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re not just dessert; they’re little bites of nostalgia that bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Enjoy every gooey bite and feel free to share your creations! Happy baking!