Each bite of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies delivers a perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence. The soft, cake-like cookie dough wraps around a warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, creating a heavenly bite that melts in your mouth. Topped with a smooth and slightly spiced glaze, these cookies will transport you straight back to childhood breakfasts but with a gourmet twist.
Perfect for cozy fall days, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are a must-bake. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or gifting them to friends and family, their soft texture and rich flavors make them an instant favorite. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy their magic anytime!
Full Recipe:
Cookies
- 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
Brown Sugar Filling
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cake flour
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
Directions:
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Prepare the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
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Prepare the Filling – In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour. Mix until smooth. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 2 teaspoons each, and set aside.
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Assemble Cookies – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 1/4 cup of chilled dough, break it in half, and create a well in the center of one piece. Place a filling ball inside and press the second dough half on top, sealing the edges. Roll into a smooth ball. Repeat for the remaining cookies.
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Bake – Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the tops are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Prepare the Glaze – In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow it to set for 15 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 13 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per cookie | Servings: 12 large cookies
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies: A Perfect Sweet Treat for Every Occasion
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a nostalgic twist on the classic breakfast pastry, blending the gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze that many of us associate with pop tarts into the form of a soft, homemade cookie. These cookies bring a sense of comfort and warmth, reminiscent of childhood mornings with the familiar flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. The marriage of soft, cake-like dough with a rich cinnamon-brown sugar filling and topped with a cinnamon glaze creates a treat that’s irresistibly sweet and gooey. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply for an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Why Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Are a Must-Try
What makes Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies so special is the unique combination of familiar, comforting flavors packed into a fun and easy-to-make dessert. It’s a cookie that appeals to everyone – from young children to adults who remember the classic pop tarts of their youth. The sweet, gooey brown sugar-cinnamon filling is at the heart of this cookie, much like the filling of a pop tart, and it’s perfectly complemented by the soft texture of the dough.
The versatility of these cookies makes them perfect for a wide variety of occasions. They can be served at family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as an everyday treat when you’re craving something sweet. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness, giving the cookies that signature pop tart finish. This dessert strikes a perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and contemporary indulgence, which is part of what makes them so popular.
Perfect for Cinnamon Lovers
If you’re a fan of cinnamon, then Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will be your new go-to cookie recipe. The filling of these cookies has the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon mixed with brown sugar, while the glaze also has a touch of cinnamon, making the entire experience rich with flavor. The dough, with its light cake flour and cornstarch blend, provides a soft, pillowy texture that enhances the cinnamon and brown sugar filling, creating a truly satisfying bite.
Cinnamon is a beloved spice in the baking world, particularly for its comforting and slightly spicy qualities. It’s the perfect spice for autumn and winter treats, adding warmth and coziness to any dessert. Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies embrace this spice in a way that is both indulgent and inviting.
How to Make the Best Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. While it might sound intricate, the process of making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is straightforward and doesn’t require special baking skills. You begin by making the dough, which is soft and easy to work with. The dough is chilled for a short period to allow it to firm up, which helps it hold together during the filling and baking process. After chilling, you form the cookies by placing small balls of cinnamon-brown sugar filling into the dough and sealing them shut. Once the cookies are baked, they are drizzled with a simple cinnamon glaze that sets perfectly on top of each cookie.
The dough itself is a bit of a secret to making the perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. By using a combination of cake flour and cornstarch, the dough takes on a delicate, soft texture that is key to creating a bakery-style cookie. The dough is not overly sweet, which helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar filling and glaze. It’s this subtle sweetness that makes these cookies so well-rounded, without being overwhelmingly sugary.
Variations to Try
One of the best aspects of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is their versatility. While the original recipe uses a cinnamon-brown sugar filling, you can easily customize the filling to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can swap the brown sugar with maple sugar for a more robust, maple-flavored filling. You can even add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can try other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger in the filling to create a different flavor profile. For a decadent twist, try adding a chocolate filling instead of the brown sugar cinnamon one. This would result in a rich, indulgent treat that still maintains the same comforting cookie texture.
If you’re looking for a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs to make the recipe completely plant-based.
Serving and Storing Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are ideal for serving at a variety of events. They are perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a special treat for kids. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for an extra cozy experience. They can also be packaged beautifully and given as homemade gifts during the holiday season.
If you’re planning to serve these cookies for a larger group, you can easily make a double batch. The recipe is easy to scale up, and the cookies can be made in advance and stored.
Once baked, Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. The cookies also freeze very well, either before or after baking. To freeze them before baking, simply form the cookie dough balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake the frozen cookies directly, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, place the cookies on a sheet pan to freeze before transferring them to an airtight container for long-term storage.
Why You Should Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Baking these cookies is not just about enjoying a delicious treat—it’s about creating something that brings comfort and nostalgia. The flavors are familiar, yet the cookie form brings an unexpected twist. Plus, the dough is incredibly soft, making it a dream to bite into, while the gooey cinnamon center and sweet glaze make each bite irresistible.
These cookies are also perfect for busy bakers. They come together quickly, require minimal effort, and don’t involve complicated techniques or special tools. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a great choice for anyone who loves baking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful and delicious twist on a childhood favorite. With their soft, cake-like dough, gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling, and sweet cinnamon glaze, they make the perfect comfort treat for any occasion. Their versatility in flavor combinations, as well as their ease of preparation, make them a great go-to recipe to have on hand whenever you’re craving something sweet. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them alone with a warm beverage, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Try making them today and see why they’re the perfect indulgence for cinnamon lovers!