Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love pop tarts, you'll adore these cookies! The soft, chewy texture and the sweet brown sugar cinnamon filling inside remind you of the nostalgic treat, but with a homemade touch. The cinnamon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness, making each bite even more delicious. They're perfect for a cozy snack, a party treat, or just when you're craving something sweet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 ¾ cups cake flour

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Brown Sugar Filling:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons cake flour

Brown Sugar Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 ½ tablespoons milk

Directions

1. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs, and continue to beat for 1-2 minutes.

2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed. Cover and chill the dough for 1 hour.

3. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

4. To make the filling, mix the softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a bowl until smooth. Scoop out about 2 teaspoons of filling and roll it into a ball. Place these filling balls on the prepared baking sheets.

5. Take the chilled cookie dough and use a ¼ cup measuring scoop to form dough balls. Divide each ball in half, making a well in the center of one half. Place a filling ball inside the well and top with the other half of the dough. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside and roll into a ball.

6. Place the dough balls on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the tops are set and edges lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth.

8. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over them and allow it to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 cookies

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Chill time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and egg replacements to make these cookies vegan.

• Gluten-Free: Swap the cake flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

• Fruit Filling: Instead of the brown sugar cinnamon filling, try using a fruit preserve or jam for a fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without the glaze) on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving.

• Freezing Dough: You can freeze the dough by scooping it into balls and stuffing them as directed. Freeze them on a sheet pan until solid and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too warm, as this can cause the cookies to spread. Also, chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Cake flour gives these cookies a softer texture, but you can substitute it with all-purpose flour if necessary. However, the texture may be slightly different.

How long should I chill the dough?

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. If you chill it longer, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before working with it to make it easier to handle.

Can I make the cookies without the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own without the glaze. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip this step.

Can I use a different filling for these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or even a peanut butter filling for a fun twist.

How do I prevent my cookies from being too flat?

Ensure your butter is at the correct temperature (room temperature, not too soft or too hard), and chill the dough before baking. These two steps help the cookies maintain their shape.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, stuff with filling, and freeze until solid. Then, bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

How can I make these cookies even more indulgent?

Try adding chocolate chips to the dough or drizzling extra caramel sauce over the top for an even sweeter treat.

Can I bake these cookies without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even mix the ingredients by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are an easy-to-make, nostalgic treat that brings together the best parts of a pop tart and a homemade cookie. With a gooey brown sugar cinnamon filling and a cinnamon glaze, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves sweet, cinnamon-flavored desserts. Whether for a party, a gift, or just a sweet snack for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

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