Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats with a twist, you’re going to adore this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe. Imagine the perfect marriage of flaky pastry and gooey, cinnamon-kissed brown sugar filling in a cookie form—each bite is a delightful little celebration of sweet and buttery goodness. These cookies bring all the warmth of homemade pop tarts but with an irresistible cookie crunch, making them a standout dessert that’s as fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe delights. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender, buttery dough to the rich, spiced filling, ensuring every bite bursts with comforting flavor and texture.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise just enough for lightness without losing the pop tart feel.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a tiny lift and browning for that gorgeous golden edge.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, flaky texture essential for that authentic pop tart vibe.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the dough with deep molasses notes, critical for that cozy warmth.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect cookie crispness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and add moisture for tender cookies.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses subtle aromatic flavor that balances the rich brown sugar.
• 1 cup brown sugar (for filling): The star of the filling, giving it that sticky, luscious texture.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling exactly right so it stays put inside the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm spice punch to the sugary filling for classic comfort.
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing): Brushed on top for a golden, slightly glossy finish.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Makes a sweet, smooth glaze that dresses up these cookies beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing): Combines with powdered sugar to create the perfect consistency for drizzling.
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration): Because a little colorful fun is always welcome!

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your cookies a balanced rise and flavor throughout.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is essential for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and a lovely golden hue in your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Slowly mix in the eggs, one by one, ensuring each is fully absorbed before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that sets the tone for the entire baking experience.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients on low speed. Going slow here prevents overmixing, yielding cookies with a tender crumb that won’t be tough or dense — exactly what makes these cookies so special.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in two, shape into disks, wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling gives the butter time to firm up, which is key for rolling out dough that’s easy to handle and results in that perfect flaky texture.

Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Filling

While the dough chills, mix together brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This filling is the heart of the Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe, combining sweet stickiness with a hint of spice that makes every bite memorable.

Step 7: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll one dough disk on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness, then cut into rectangles roughly 3 by 4 inches. Repeat with the second disk. This careful sizing mimics the classic pop tart shape and lets the baking process work its magic evenly.

Step 8: Assemble the Cookies

Place a generous tablespoon of brown sugar filling on one rectangle, then top with another rectangle. Seal the edges with a fork to prevent any filling from escaping and to add a charming detail that makes these cookies extra inviting.

Step 9: Brush with Milk and Bake

Brush a little milk over the cookie tops to encourage browning and a subtle gloss. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are just turning golden and the tops are set, creating that ideal firm but tender bite.

Step 10: Cool and Ice the Cookies

After baking, cool the cookies on the baking sheets briefly before moving to a wire rack. While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for a smooth icing. Drizzle this icing over the cookies and add sprinkles if you like for a playful finishing touch.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkles are a festive way to brighten up these cookies, but you can also try a light dusting of cinnamon or a few sea salt flakes sprinkled on top to elevate the flavor. The contrast of sweet and salty adds a delightful twist that keeps people coming back for more.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of coffee or chai tea, balancing their sweet richness. For a fun twist, serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this treat into a mini dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies nestled in a colorful tin or wrapped up with a ribbon as a gift – they make a charming homemade present for anyone with a sweet tooth. For parties, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and edible flowers for an inviting dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to a week. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate icing.

Freezing

If you want to savor these treats later, freeze the unbaked dough disks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with rolling, cutting, and filling. You can also freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat cookies briefly in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their soft center and crisp edges. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the cookies overly soft and soggy.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the dough?

Yes, but keep in mind that using only brown sugar will make the dough more moist and chewy with a deeper caramel flavor. The granulated sugar in this recipe helps balance texture and sweetness.

What if I don’t have cornstarch for the filling?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or flour. These will help thicken the filling, though the texture might be slightly different.

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Absolutely! Small amounts of finely chopped dried fruit, like raisins or dates, can add a lovely chew and twist to this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe.

What’s the best way to roll out the dough without sticking?

Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin, and chill the dough well before rolling. If the dough warms up, pop it back into the fridge briefly to firm up.

How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?

For thicker icing, add a bit more powdered sugar; for a thinner, drizzle-friendly consistency, add milk gradually until you reach your desired texture.

Final Thoughts

I promise once you make this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe, it will become a new favorite to bake and share. They’re fun, flavorful, and bring all the cozy feelings of homemade sweets in a charming cookie form. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying these treats are for your kitchen and your taste buds!

Print