Brown Sugar Tart Cookies | YumAndJoy

Brown Sugar Tart Cookies

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a nostalgic twist on a childhood favorite. These soft, cake-like cookies are filled with a gooey brown sugar-cinnamon center and topped with a sweet pop tart-style icing. If you love brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts, you’ll adore these cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft & Cake-Like – These cookies have a tender, bakery-style texture.
  • Gooey Cinnamon Filling – A warm, brown sugar-cinnamon center makes them irresistible.
  • Pop Tart Nostalgia – The classic icing and cinnamon-sugar flavor bring back childhood memories.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, holiday baking, or a fun weekend treat.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together for a delicious homemade cookie.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies

  • 3 ⅞ cups cake flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

  • ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

For the Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 ½ tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling to the center, then top with another small piece of dough.
  4. Seal the edges and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
  5. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
  2. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Icing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 16 cookies

Variations

  • Maple Glaze – Replace vanilla extract in the icing with maple syrup for a maple-flavored topping.
  • Extra Crunchy – Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the icing for added texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cake flour blend instead of regular cake flour.
  • Stuffed Cookies – Add a small dollop of cream cheese with the brown sugar filling for a tangy contrast.
  • Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for a decadent twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey center.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, but cake flour gives the cookies a softer texture. To substitute, use 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour + ½ cup cornstarch.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavor.

3. Can I make these cookies without icing?

Absolutely! They’re delicious with or without the pop tart-style icing.

4. What’s the best way to shape the cookies?

Flatten the dough slightly before adding the filling, then seal and roll into a ball for even baking.

5. Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts pair well with the brown sugar-cinnamon flavor.

6. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to completely seal the edges when forming the cookies to keep the filling inside.

7. Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes! Adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes for smaller cookies.

8. How do I get the icing to harden?

Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes after icing to allow it to set.

9. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

10. What other flavors can I try?

Try replacing cinnamon with pumpkin spice or using a chocolate filling for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies combine everything you love about the classic breakfast pastry into a soft, gooey, cinnamon-filled cookie. Whether you make them for a nostalgic treat or a fun dessert, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy the flavors of a homemade pop tart in every bite!

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Brown Sugar Tart Cookies


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts into a soft, cake-like cookie with a gooey cinnamon filling and a classic sweet glaze. Perfect for a fun throwback treat!


Ingredients

Scale
For the Cookies:
  • 3 7/8 cups cake flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Icing:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  6. Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool.
Make the Icing:
  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle or spread over cooled cookies.
Serve & Enjoy!
  • Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use cake flour for a lighter, more tender cookie.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • For extra Pop-Tart vibes, add a cinnamon sugar filling inside the cookies before baking!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • chill time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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