Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings back warm childhood memories while satisfying your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right place! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pop tart, combining soft, chewy cookies with a gooey cinnamon filling. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a little comfort or for family gatherings where everyone will be reaching for seconds.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time. Plus, they store beautifully, making them an ideal treat for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies without a hitch.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet cinnamon flavor and soft texture.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for holiday gatherings or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
• Deliciously nostalgic: Enjoy the comforting flavors reminiscent of your favorite childhood treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Let’s gather what we 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 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 get creative with flavors! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies:

• Add some zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing twist.
• Swap the filling: Try using chocolate chips or fruit preserves instead of cinnamon filling for different flavor profiles.
• Top it differently: Sprinkle crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles on top of the icing before it sets!
• Make it seasonal: Add pumpkin spice during fall or peppermint extract during winter holidays to match the season.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to your mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat these together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that help make your cookies light and fluffy. Once you achieve a creamy consistency, add in the vanilla and eggs, beating again until light and fluffy—about another 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing them separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your dough when combined later.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring things together! Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on medium speed. Beat until everything is just combined—about 1-2 minutes should do it. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything gets well incorporated! Once mixed, cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about one hour. Chilling helps solidify the fats in your dough, leading to thicker cookies.

Step 4: Prepare Your Filling

While your dough chills, let’s make that wonderful cinnamon filling! In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour. Stir until smooth; this gooey mixture will provide that delightful surprise inside each cookie.

Step 5: Form Your Cookie Balls

Once chilled, scoop out about 1/4 cup of cookie dough using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Break this dough in half and create a well in one half—this is where we’ll place our yummy filling! Use about two teaspoons of filling rolled into a ball and place it inside the well you’ve made. Gently press down with the other half of dough on top before pinching edges to seal everything inside.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Arrange those beautiful cookie balls on lined baking sheets about two inches apart—give them space to spread! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while they rest for about five more minutes; then bake them for approximately 11-13 minutes until just set with lightly golden edges. After baking, allow them to cool on sheets for five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 7: Ice Those Cookies!

While those cookies cool down completely—because patience pays off—whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Place parchment paper under your cooling rack to catch any drips before spooning icing generously over each cookie. Let it spread naturally towards edges; allow them to set for about 15 minutes before diving into these scrumptious treats!

Enjoy every bite of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies—they’re sure to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and better texture. This helps them blend more easily, creating a uniform dough.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough for an hour allows for easier handling and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This step helps maintain their shape and gives them a soft, chewy texture.

• Measure flour correctly: To avoid dense cookies, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures you don’t pack in too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should look set but not overly browned. The edges will be lightly golden while the centers may seem undercooked—this is perfect as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling.

• Let them cool before icing: Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding the glaze. This will help the icing adhere better and prevent it from melting off into a puddle!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ideas for serving them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add a pop of color by topping each cookie with fun sprinkles right after icing; this makes them festive and adds texture.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving enhances the cinnamon flavor and gives an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that contrasts warm and cold textures.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed berries or sliced fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies while adding a nutritious element.
• Coffee or tea: Pair these cookies with a nice hot beverage, like coffee or herbal tea, to balance their sweetness and enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Milk: Classic yet effective! A glass of cold milk is perfect for dipping or washing down these delightful treats.

Enjoy crafting these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies; they’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re planning for the holiday season or just want to have a sweet treat on hand, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the cookies are fully cooled.
• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a cookie from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature.
• For a warm treat, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies!

Can I use different types of sugar in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

While light brown sugar is recommended for that classic flavor, you can experiment with dark brown sugar for a richer taste. Just remember that it may alter the final color slightly!

How do I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the cookie dough and filling in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, assemble and follow the baking instructions as usual!

What’s the best way to store Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. If you’re not going to eat them within a week, consider freezing them for longer storage.

Can I add different fillings to my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Nut butters, fruit preserves, or chocolate spreads make excellent alternatives that will complement the brown sugar base beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do! With their gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze, they bring back nostalgic memories while being easy enough to whip up any time. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!