Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, nostalgic twist on a classic favorite, you’re going to love this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture all the buttery flakiness and sweet filling of your childhood pop tarts, but with a homemade cookie vibe that’s simply irresistible. I’ve made these a bunch of times, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again—whether for an afternoon treat or a special brunch! Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make these cookies turn out just right.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe lies in balancing classic baking ingredients with a little twist in the filling. Each one plays an important role to create the perfect cookie and filling that melts in your mouth. When shopping, I always recommend using good quality butter and fresh spices to really bring out the flavors.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing just enough structure without making it tough.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These help the cookies rise slightly and stay light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming; adds richness and tenderness.
• Brown sugar: Its molasses content boosts moisture and adds that caramel-y depth especially important in the filling.
• Granulated sugar: Works with brown sugar to keep the cookie balanced, not overly sticky.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor for a warm, sweet aroma.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the filling thick and prevents it from oozing out too much.
• Cinnamon: Brings a warm spice that complements the brown sugar beautifully.
• Milk: Used both for brushing before baking to brown the tops and in the icing to adjust consistency.
• Powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds that quintessential pop tart look.
• Sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun and festive finishing touch.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you like a little extra cinnamon or want to punch up the filling with some mix-ins, it’s a really versatile dessert. Don’t be shy about putting your personal spin on it—you can even swap out sprinkles or leave the icing off to keep it simpler.

• Variation: I’ve tried adding mini chocolate chips to the brown sugar filling for a little chocolate surprise, and wow—it’s a game changer!
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a flax egg to keep these pop tart cookies allergy-friendly without losing texture.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling gives it a cozy holiday vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple step ensures your leaveners are evenly distributed so the cookies bake uniformly. Pro tip: sift the flour and baking powder for an even lighter dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, beat softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration is key for a tender cookie. I like using a hand mixer here to really get that creamy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract last. This step adds moisture and a rich aroma that makes the flavor pop.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until you see the dough come together. Avoid overmixing here to prevent toughness. The dough will be slightly soft but firm enough to handle after chilling.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Split the dough into two disks, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Trust me on this: chilling makes rolling and cutting so much easier and helps cookies maintain their shape.

Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Filling

While the dough chills, mix together brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a small bowl until combined. This filling is your sweet and gooey surprise—make sure it’s smooth so it spreads evenly inside the cookies.

Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, then cut into 3×4 inch rectangles using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. I usually get around 12 rectangles per disk, which makes about 24 cookies total.

Step 8: Assemble the Cookies

Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each rectangle, then top with a second rectangle. Press the edges together firmly, and crimp with a fork to seal and add a cute design. These little details make it feel just like a real pop tart!

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Brush the tops of cookies with a little milk, then bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and tops are set. Let them rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps the filling set nicely without oozing out.

Step 10: Icing and Decoration

Whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a smooth glaze and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles if you want that extra fun pop tart festivity. The icing hardens just enough to add a sweet finish without overpowering the filling.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple—just a light drizzle of icing and some colorful sprinkles add enough pizzazz without overwhelming the flavors. Sometimes, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the icing adds a sophisticated sweet-salty kick that really wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

These cookies go beautifully with a cup of chai tea or a frothy cappuccino for breakfast or afternoon snack. If you want to serve them at brunch, pairing them with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait balances their sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these on a tiered dessert stand with fresh berries and mint leaves for a charming display. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes great homemade gifts, too. Kids especially love decorating their own with colored icing and sprinkles before baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If I want to freeze some, I assemble the cookies but don’t bake them. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, just pop them in the oven, add the icing after baking, and you’re good to go.

Reheating

To warm up day-old cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the texture and brings back some of that gooey filling warmth, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my baking heart. It’s such a clever way to enjoy all the comfort and fun of pop tarts, but in cookie form that you control from start to finish. I hope you’ll try baking them with me—you might just find a new favorite to share with your family and friends. Nothing beats that warm cookie scent filling your kitchen and that first bite of sweet, gooey nostalgia. Happy baking!

Print