Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will bring back sweet memories of your childhood, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the thing! Imagine biting into a soft cookie filled with gooey cinnamon goodness and topped with a delicious glaze – it’s like a hug in cookie form. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something special without too much fuss. Plus, they make the kitchen smell amazing!

These cookies are not only fun to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or sharing them with friends, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You don’t need fancy techniques or equipment to whip these up. A simple mixer and some bowls will do the trick!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: These cookies are loved by kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings or after-school snacks.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just chill it and bake when you’re ready!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that brings comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! You might already have many of these staples in your pantry, making this recipe even more convenient.

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 wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the cookie dough or filling.
• Try Different Spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a whole new flavor profile.
• Use Fruit Preserves: Instead of cinnamon filling, use your favorite fruit preserves for a fruity take on these cookies.
• Make Mini Cookies: Use a smaller scoop to create mini versions of these cookies – perfect for bite-sized treats!

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into your stand mixer bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create soft cookies!

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in your eggs and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture for another 1-2 minutes until it’s combined well. The eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed well, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients and beat on medium speed until everything is just combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed! After mixing, cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for an hour – this helps solidify the butter so your cookies don’t spread too much while baking.

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking – trust me; you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 5: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour for your filling. Stir until smooth. Using about two teaspoons of this filling mixture per cookie will keep every bite deliciously gooey!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

After chilling the dough, scoop out about 1/4 cup portions using a measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Split each portion in half and create a well in one half. Place one ball of filling inside that well before covering it with the other half of dough. Pinch the edges tightly to seal in that delightful filling.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Place each shaped cookie ball onto your prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake them for about 11-13 minutes until they’re set but still soft at the center—this ensures they stay chewy! Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Ice Your Cookies

While those heavenly cookies cool down completely, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Spoon this icing over each cooled cookie while it’s on a wire rack placed over parchment paper – let it drizzle down beautifully! Allow it to set for about 15 minutes before diving in.

And there you have it—your very own Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some handy tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them mix together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie texture.
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It not only makes the dough easier to handle but also improves the flavor and texture of your cookies by allowing the ingredients to meld together.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set on top with lightly golden edges; overbaking can lead to dry cookies—yikes!
• Experiment with fillings: While the cinnamon filling is delicious, don’t hesitate to try other flavors! Nutella, fruit preserves, or even a chocolate ganache could make for delightful variations.
• Let the icing set: Allowing the icing to rest for at least 15 minutes after applying ensures that it has a nice, glossy finish and won’t smudge when you stack or serve your cookies.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present them that will impress your friends and family.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful jimmies adds a festive touch that’s perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
• Cinnamon dusting: Lightly dusting a bit of cinnamon sugar on top enhances the warm flavors and gives a beautiful finishing touch.
• Chopped nuts: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits not only complements the sweetness of the cookies but also adds freshness. Think juicy strawberries, tart apples, and sweet oranges!
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a delicious contrast to the warm cookies. The melting ice cream creates an irresistible combination!
• Hot cocoa: On chilly days, serving these cookies with a cup of rich hot cocoa makes for a cozy dessert experience that everyone will love.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these cookies with coffee or tea can elevate your dessert time into a delightful afternoon break. The warmth of these beverages balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.

Now that you’re armed with tips on making and serving these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies if stacking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing them.
• Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Alternatively, microwave the cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, but it may change the texture slightly. The cookies will be richer and chewier.

How do I make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check for any hidden gluten in other ingredients as well.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or other add-ins like nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

How long do Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as I am! They bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar into delightful little treats that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy the process of baking these goodies, and don’t forget to make some wonderful memories along the way. Happy baking!