Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a sweet treat that brings the classic pop tart flavor into cookie form. With a soft, chewy texture and a gooey cinnamon filling, they are perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday celebration, an after-school snack, or just a cozy evening at home. The rich brown sugar and cinnamon glaze elevate these cookies to a new level of deliciousness, making them truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward with simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Flavor Packed: Each bite is filled with warm cinnamon goodness and sweet brown sugar.
- Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just because—you’ll want to make these often!
- Store Well: These cookies stay fresh for days, so you can enjoy them at your leisure.
- Fun to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite sprinkles or toppings for extra flair.

Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for achieving the fluffy texture of the cookie dough by properly creaming the butter and sugars.
- Mixing Bowls: Necessary for keeping your ingredients organized while mixing separately.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring they come out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
These soft Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are packed with a gooey cinnamon filling and topped with a cinnamon glaze. They taste just like the classic pop tart and are easy to make and store.
Ingredients:
– 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
– 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
– 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 2 Tablespoon cake flour
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
– 2 1/2 Tablespoon milk
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer or a hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until combined. Add the vanilla extract and eggs; beat again for another 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until combined. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until combined but do not overmix—about 1–2 minutes should be sufficient. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper while waiting for the dough to chill.
Step 4: Make Filling
In a medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients. Stir until smooth. Use a heaping teaspoon (about 2 teaspoons) to scoop out filling, roll it into balls, and place them on one of the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or large cookie scoop, scoop out chilled dough. Break each portion in half to create two pieces. Form a well in one half of each piece, placing one ball of filling inside. Press down with the other half on top of the filling and pinch seams closed. Roll into a ball to seal in the filling.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for approximately 11–13 minutes until tops are set and edges are lightly golden brown. Allow cooling on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare Icing
While cookies cool down, whisk together icing ingredients until smooth. Place parchment paper under wire rack and spoon icing over each cookie until it spreads slightly towards edges. Let icing set for about 15 minutes before enjoying!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are delightful on their own, but there are several fun ways to enhance your experience. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family night, here are some serving suggestions to elevate these delicious treats.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that balances sweetness and creaminess.
Warmed Up
- Gently warm the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds. This brings out the gooey filling and makes them even more delicious.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Offer a side of fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. The acidity complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Present these cookies as part of your holiday dessert table. Their festive look and flavor will be a hit among guests!
How to Perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Making perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to ensure your cookies remain soft and chewy.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when they’re lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow Cooling: Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try different fillings like fruit jams or chocolate chips for unique variations of this cookie recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a wholesome side that pairs well with dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory contrast, enhancing your cookie experience.
- Coffee or Tea: Serve these cookies with a warm beverage, such as coffee or herbal tea, to enhance their flavors while enjoying a cozy treat.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix can provide texture contrast, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or cinnamon for an added sweet touch.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Set up an ice cream station where guests can add scoops of ice cream next to their cookies for an indulgent treat.
- Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate for dipping; this interactive option allows guests to customize their cookie experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your success.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for texture. It helps to firm up the dough and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Always use proper measuring tools to ensure you get the right amounts, especially for flour and sugar.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure yours is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Forgetting about cooling time: Cooling the cookies on a wire rack allows air circulation, preventing sogginess. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a warm skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, you can use dark brown sugar; it will give your cookies a richer flavor.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Can I add chocolate chips to my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips would add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. Their gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your batch with additional flavors or toppings to suit your taste!
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! These delicious cookies capture the nostalgic flavors of classic pop tarts, transforming them into a soft, chewy treat with a gooey cinnamon filling. Perfect for any occasion—from festive gatherings to cozy evenings at home—each bite is a warm hug of cinnamon and brown sugar goodness, topped with a rich glaze that adds an irresistible finish. Not only are they easy to make, but they also store well, allowing you to enjoy these comforting sweets whenever the craving strikes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) for filling
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed) for filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon for filling
- powdered sugar for icing
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for icing
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled) for icing
- 2 1/2 tablespoons milk for icing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, combine room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients and gradually incorporate into wet mixture without overmixing. Chill dough for one hour.
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until smooth.
- Scoop chilled dough into balls; flatten one half and place a spoonful of filling inside before sealing with another piece of dough. Roll to enclose.
- Bake cookies for 11–13 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool before icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg