Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a sweet and gooey treat that brings the nostalgia of classic pop tarts right to your kitchen. With their soft texture and rich cinnamon filling, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack. They are easy to make and can be stored for later enjoyment, making them a convenient choice for dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Gooey Filling: The cinnamon filling provides a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the cookie’s sweetness.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just as a delightful snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Fun Decoration: The icing on top allows you to get creative with your presentation; add sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, making baking easier when you need it.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother.

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: Ideal for achieving light and fluffy cookie dough quickly without extra effort.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring they come out perfectly every time.

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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.

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 Cinnamon 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

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs. Continue beating for an additional 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until well combined. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while beating on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Cover this dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your dough chills. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In another medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients. Mix until smooth. Using a heaping teaspoon (about two teaspoons), scoop out portions of filling and roll them into balls before placing them on one of your prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or large cookie scoop, scoop out chilled dough portions. Split each portion in half to create a well in one half. Place one ball of filling inside this well, then cover it with the other half of dough. Pinch seams closed to seal in filling.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Arrange shaped cookie balls on prepared sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until tops are set and edges are lightly golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on sheets for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 7: Make the Icing

While cookies cool completely, whisk together icing ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Place parchment paper under cooling racks and spoon icing over each cookie, letting it spread naturally towards edges. Allow icing to set for at least 15 minutes before enjoying!

With these steps completed, you’ll have delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ready to share! Enjoy every sweet bite!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be served in various ways to enhance your dessert experience. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family night, here are some serving suggestions that will impress everyone.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing that complements the warm cookies perfectly.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream – Add an extra layer of flavor with cinnamon-infused ice cream.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Cheesecakes – Include these alongside your cookies for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Fresh Fruit – Offer sliced strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Melted Dark Chocolate – A rich drizzle over the cookies elevates their appearance and taste.
• White Chocolate – For those who prefer a sweeter touch, white chocolate adds a creamy finish.

With Coffee or Tea

• Brewed Coffee – The bitterness balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Herbal Tea – A light tea can provide a soothing complement after indulging in desserts.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

To ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the Dough – Allowing the dough to chill for at least one hour helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Watch Baking Time – Keep an eye on them towards the end; they should be set but not browned too much.
• Cool Completely Before Icing – Letting them cool allows the icing to set properly without melting into the cookie.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with some side dishes can create a more rounded dessert experience. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments.

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side dish.
3. Chocolate Fondue – A fun dipping option where guests can dip fruits or cookie pieces into warm chocolate.
4. Coffee Cake – Serve alongside for a delightful mix of flavors and textures during brunch or dessert time.
5. Cheese Board – Add some cheeses like brie or gouda, which pairs surprisingly well with sweet desserts.
6. Caramel Sauce – Serve as an additional topping option for drizzling on cookies or dipping fruit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even small errors can affect your results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

• Boldly under-measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Boldly skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Make sure to chill for at least one hour as specified in the recipe.
• Boldly overcrowding the baking sheet: Allow enough space between cookies on the sheet. They need room to spread without touching each other.
• Boldly ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven for even baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate.
• Boldly overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on them as they bake. Remove the cookies when they’re lightly golden brown; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to freezer bags.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, then reheat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs that may help you with making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

How can I customize Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or different spices to suit your taste. Try incorporating vanilla extract or other flavors into the glaze!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend to create gluten-free Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

What is the best way to store my cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.

How long do these cookies last?

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months when frozen.

Can I use other sugars instead of brown sugar?

While light brown sugar adds flavor and moisture, you can experiment with coconut sugar or dark brown sugar for deeper flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies offer a delightful mix of nostalgia and flavor that is hard to resist. Their soft texture and gooey filling make them a perfect treat any time of year. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings as you like!