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
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Add 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar filling to the center, then top with another small piece of dough.
- Seal the edges and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 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!
Print- 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
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:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool.
Make the Icing:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 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