Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that transports you back to childhood, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the thing! They capture the nostalgic flavors of classic pop tarts with a gooey cinnamon filling and a sweet glaze. Every bite brings warmth and comfort, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You won’t believe how quickly they disappear once you share them – your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, baking them can become a fun activity for the whole family. Trust me; once you try these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, they’ll become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re a fun way to get everyone involved in baking.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these scrumptious cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to bring these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies to life!

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 this recipe! It’s flexible enough to suit different tastes and occasions.

• Add Some Spice: For an extra kick, mix in a dash of nutmeg or ginger with the filling.
• Change Up the Glaze: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract in the glaze for a unique flavor twist.
• Stuff with Fruit: Add small pieces of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries into the filling for a fruity surprise.
• Make Them Mini: Use a smaller scoop for bite-sized cookies that are perfect for sharing at parties.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Beat everything together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential as it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture we all love!

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in your eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything together again for another minute or two until it’s well combined. The eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture, ensuring that every bite is deliciously soft.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until nicely combined. This step helps distribute all the leavening agents evenly through your dough so that each cookie rises perfectly when baked.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in your mixer. Beat on medium speed until just combined—about 1-2 minutes should do. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed! After mixing, cover your dough and chill it in the fridge for one hour; this ensures your cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step makes clean-up super easy later on!

Step 6: Prepare Your Filling

In another medium bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth. Scoop out heaping teaspoons of this mixture and roll them into balls; place them on one of those lined baking sheets while waiting for your cookie dough.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out about 1/4 cup of cookie dough using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Split it in half and create a well in one half. Place one ball of filling inside this well before topping it with the other half of dough. Pinch it closed gently but firmly—this seals all that yummy filling inside!

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Arrange those beautifully shaped cookie balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart from each other. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes until their tops are just set and edges lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 9: Make Your Icing

While those heavenly cookies cool down completely, whisk up all your icing ingredients until nice and smooth.

Step 10: Drizzle Icing Over Cookies

Place parchment paper under your cooling rack to catch any drips as you spoon icing over each cookie generously! Let it spread slightly towards edges then allow it to set for around 15 minutes before diving into these delicious treats! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps to create a smooth batter and ensures the cookies bake evenly, resulting in that soft, gooey texture we all love.

• Chill the dough adequately: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to work with but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, keeping their cute pop tart shape intact.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies, as they should be just set and lightly golden. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Experiment with fillings: While cinnamon is delightful, feel free to get creative! Try adding fruit preserves or nut butter for a different flavor twist that will make your cookies unique.

• Let the glaze set: Allowing the icing to set for about 15 minutes after applying gives it that beautiful finish and ensures it doesn’t just melt into the cookies.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Presenting your freshly baked Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can turn a simple treat into a delightful experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or rainbow sprinkles adds a festive touch, making these cookies perfect for celebrations or special occasions.

• Toasted nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the icing add a crunchy texture and complement the sweetness of the cookie beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring berries or citrus can provide a refreshing balance to the sweet flavors of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

• Coffee or tea: Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their cozy appeal and provides a comforting afternoon treat.

• Milk: You can’t go wrong with classic milk! Whether it’s dairy-free or regular, it’s perfect for dipping these delicious treats.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re bound to be a hit whether you’re sharing them at home or gifting them to friends. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy days or special occasions. You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, and they store beautifully for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• To bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them before serving.
• Alternatively, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies that might help you along the way!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

While you can substitute whole wheat flour, it may affect the texture. The cookies may be denser than intended. For best results, stick with cake flour.

How do I get the gooey filling in my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

To ensure a gooey filling, make sure your filling is rolled into small balls and fully enclosed by the cookie dough. Press the edges firmly to seal them well.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be a delightful addition. Just fold them into the cookie dough before chilling.

How long do Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last up to 5 days at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re not just delicious; they also bring back fond memories of childhood treats. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors! Happy baking!