Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back fond memories, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the ticket! This recipe combines soft, chewy cookies with a gooey cinnamon filling, reminiscent of those classic pop tarts we all loved as kids. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and store!

What makes these cookies truly special is not just their taste but also the joy they bring when sharing them with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying one with your morning coffee or serving them at a holiday party, these cookies will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up these cookies without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will adore the sweet cinnamon filling and soft cookie texture—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so you can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—be it a cozy dessert night or a festive gathering!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a rich, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Most of these are pantry staples, making this recipe an easy go-to!

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 cookie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try out:

• Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in some nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra warm flavor.
• Stuff with Jam: Swap out the filling with your favorite fruit jam for a fruity twist!
• Chocolate Lovers Delight: Mix in some chocolate chips into the dough before baking for a chocolatey surprise.
• Try Different Glazes: Experiment with different flavored glazes like vanilla or almond to change things up.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar into your mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming these ingredients together incorporates air into your dough, making those cookies nice and soft!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in your eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything together for another 1-2 minutes until fully combined. The eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture—a key element for that chewy texture we love.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them separately ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine! Slowly add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while beating on medium speed until just combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about an hour. Chilling helps solidify the butter again so that your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Prepare Your Filling

While waiting for the dough to chill, mix together softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a medium bowl until smooth. This will be your delicious filling that brings a gooey delight inside each cookie!

Step 6: 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 form two pieces; then create a well in one half where you’ll place a heaping teaspoon of filling. Press down gently with the other half of dough on top of it to seal in that tasty filling.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Place your assembled cookie balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for about 11-13 minutes until they’re just set on top and lightly golden around the edges. After cooling on the sheet for about five minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Ice Away!

While your cookies cool down completely, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle generously over each cookie once cool—this is where they get their final touch of sweetness! Let them set for about 15 minutes before indulging.

There you have it—your very own batch of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Enjoy every delicious bite!

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: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth batter that mixes easily and evenly. This ensures a fluffy texture in your cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking. This means you’ll have nice thick cookies that hold their shape!

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the tender, soft texture we’re after.

• Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Take them out when they are just set; they will continue to cook slightly while cooling on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe shines with its gooey cinnamon filling, feel free to experiment! Try adding chocolate chips or fruit preserves for a fun twist on flavor.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas for serving them up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add a pop of color by sprinkling some colorful nonpareils or sprinkles on top of the icing before it sets.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze adds an extra touch of warmth and enhances the cookie’s flavor profile.
• Chopped Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the icing once it’s set.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or blueberries adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
• Milk: Nothing beats a classic! Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat that reminds us of childhood.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoying these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a comforting afternoon snack or dessert option.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy warm for that freshly-baked taste!

FAQs

If you have any questions about these delightful cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

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

Absolutely! While light brown sugar gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer taste or even granulated sugar if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I make my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies crispy?

To achieve a crispier texture, bake them slightly longer but keep an eye on the edges to prevent burning. You could also reduce the moisture by using less butter or chilling the dough longer before baking.

Can I customize the filling of my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or even nut butter. The possibilities are endless!

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

You can drizzle chocolate over the cinnamon glaze, add colorful sprinkles, or even use flavored icing to match different occasions. Get creative!

How do I ensure my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies stay soft?

To keep your cookies soft, be careful not to overbake them. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to cook while cooling.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies brings joy and warmth into your kitchen! They’re a delightful treat that captures the essence of childhood nostalgia while being easy enough for anyone to make. I truly believe you’ll enjoy every step of creating these delicious cookies just as much as eating them. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try this scrumptious recipe!