Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the ticket! Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with a gooey cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet glaze. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert or family gatherings where everyone will gather around for seconds (and thirds!). I’ve loved making these cookies for years, and I know they will become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have these delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These cookies are a fun way to get everyone involved in the baking process.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you want!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon is unbeatable—every bite is a warm hug!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we use simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll love how easy it is to find everything you need for these irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart 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 Glaze

• 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! Here are some tasty ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Chocolate: Mix in some chocolate chips into the dough or filling for an extra sweet surprise.
• Nutty Twist: Chop up some walnuts or pecans and add them to the filling for added crunch.
• Fruit Filling: Replace the cinnamon filling with a fruit jam or preserves for a fruity version of these cookies.
• Spice It Up: Try different spices like nutmeg or ginger in the filling to give it a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar into a mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until it’s creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating again until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing these together ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Once mixed, gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients and beat on medium speed until everything is just combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough making it easier to handle later on.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While your dough chills, make the gooey cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour. Stir until smooth; this will be heaven when you bite into your cookies!

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Break it in half to create two equal pieces. Form one half into a little well in the center and place one ball of filling inside before covering it with the other half of dough. Pinch seams together tightly to seal all that yummy goodness inside.

Step 6: Bake!

Arrange your cookie balls on lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for about 11-13 minutes until they’re set around the edges but still soft in the middle. Let them cool on the sheet before transferring them to wire racks—this keeps them from breaking apart.

Step 7: Make That Glaze

While waiting for those delicious cookies to cool completely, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. This sweet glaze will take those cookies over-the-top!

Step 8: Decorate & Enjoy!

Once cooled, drizzle or spoon that luscious glaze over each cookie while they’re still on their cooling rack. Let it set for about 15 minutes before diving into these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with just a few handy tips to help you along the way!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother dough, resulting in a softer cookie texture.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for an hour not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent spreading during baking, keeping those cute cookie shapes intact.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with fillings: While the cinnamon filling is heavenly, don’t hesitate to try other flavors like fruit jams or nut butters. Get creative and customize each batch!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just remember to separate layers with parchment paper!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party. Here are some fun ideas on how to present and enjoy these sweet treats!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the icing adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: After icing, dust with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
• Chocolate drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the glaze can elevate these cookies to another level.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of berries, melons, and citrus fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding vibrant color to your table.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
• Coffee or hot cocoa: Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage enhances their comforting qualities and makes for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Milk or plant-based alternatives: A classic glass of milk (or almond/coconut milk) is always a winning combination with cookies, providing that nostalgic touch from childhood.

Now that you’re armed with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to whip up these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful cookies!

Can I use different fillings in my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fillings like fruit preserves or nut butters for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

How can I make my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies even more special?

You can add sprinkles or colored icing on top of the glaze for festive occasions or try different spices like nutmeg in the filling for added flavor!

What is the best way to store my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer preservation.

Can I make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, ensuring you check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring warmth into your home and share with loved ones. Enjoy every gooey bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own variations. Happy baking!