Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings joy to any occasion, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are just the thing! Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie filled with gooey cinnamon goodness and drizzled with a sweet glaze. It’s like a hug in cookie form! This recipe is a family favorite at my house, perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful addition to holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation.

What I love about these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is how easy they are to whip up. The ingredients are simple and wholesome, so you won’t have to make a special trip to the store. Plus, they’re great for sharing or enjoying all by yourself on cozy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: With a gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze, each bite is pure bliss.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can bake these even on your busiest days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance for fresh cookies whenever you crave them.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe calls for some familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds its own charm to the cookies. Let’s take a look at what you’ll 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 Glaze

• 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! If you want to switch things up or add your own twist, here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of decadence.
• Try Different Spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flair.
• Use Different Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different flavored glazes like vanilla or almond!
• Make Them Miniature: Use a smaller scoop of dough and filling for bite-sized versions perfect for parties.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the room temperature butter and sugars into the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat them on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugars are fluffy, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture for another minute or two until everything is well combined. The eggs help bind everything together while adding richness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough—this is key for achieving that perfect rise!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Now it’s time to incorporate those dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Add them gradually while mixing on medium speed until combined. Once mixed, cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for one hour. Chilling helps with handling later on.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough to chill, mix up your filling by combining softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in another bowl until smooth. This filling will be gooey and delicious inside your cookies!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out portions of chilled dough using a large cookie scoop or measuring cup—about 1/4 cup each. Create a well in one half of each dough portion where you’ll place your filling ball before sealing it up.

Step 7: Bake!

Arrange your cookie dough balls on lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes until lightly golden brown around the edges but still soft at the center. Let them cool briefly before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 8: Glaze Your Cookies

While those delightful cookies cool down completely, prepare your icing by whisking together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this heavenly glaze over each cookie once they’ve cooled slightly—let it set before enjoying!

And there you have it! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Baking is all about joy and creativity, so here are some tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing, resulting in soft, well-textured cookies.

• Chill the dough: Giving your dough some time in the fridge helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!

• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges while still soft in the center.

• Let cool before icing: Allowing your cookies to cool completely ensures that the icing doesn’t melt into a puddle but instead sits beautifully on top for a perfect finish.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful cookies not only taste amazing but also look great on any dessert table! Here are some creative ideas for serving them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A light dusting adds a touch of glamour and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Drizzle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch and added flavor.
• Colorful sprinkles: For a fun twist, especially during holidays or celebrations, add colorful sprinkles on top of the glaze for extra cheer!

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melons, and citrus complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: Serve a scoop alongside warm cookies for a delightful treat that contrasts textures perfectly.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea makes an excellent pairing, providing a soothing balance to the sweet flavors.
• Coffee or espresso: The rich notes of coffee enhance the cookie’s sweetness and offer a comforting experience, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Enjoy creating these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or save some for later. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, keep the cookies in the fridge where they will stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, simply thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm it in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

While you can substitute whole wheat flour, keep in mind that it will alter the texture and taste of your cookies. Cake flour gives these cookies their soft and chewy texture, so it’s best to stick with that if possible.

How do I know when my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, while the tops should be just set. If you gently press on one and it springs back, they’re ready!

What can I use as a filling if I want something different than cinnamon?

You can get creative with fillings! Consider using fruit preserves like strawberry or raspberry, chocolate chips, or even nut butter mixed with a little honey for variety.

Can I make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of cake flour while keeping an eye on consistency. Your cookies may turn out slightly different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! They bring back fond memories while delivering a delightful twist on a classic treat. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them with your morning coffee, they are sure to impress. I hope you have as much fun making this recipe as I did. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations!