If you have been hunting for a delightful twist on classic cookies that combine the nostalgic charm of breakfast pastries and the comforting warmth of spice, look no further than this Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the rich flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze in a soft, chewy bite that’s just the right balance of buttery and spiced. Each cookie hides a luscious cinnamon-brown sugar filling, reminiscent of a pop-tart, but in a much easier, hand-held cookie form that’s perfect for sharing with family, friends, or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe is simple yet essential to achieving that perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Every element plays a part—from the creamy butter that ensures softness, to the brown sugar that infuses depth and caramel notes, and the special mix of leaveners that give these cookies their tender rise and light crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds tenderness and a rich, creamy base to the dough.
- Light brown sugar (1 1/4 cups, packed): Provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor in the cookie dough.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and contribute to the cookie’s structure and chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a mellow, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The foundation that gives shape and body to the cookies.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps make the cookies soft and tender by reducing gluten formation.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just right.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with baking soda to give the perfect balance in texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Light brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed – for filling): Creates that irresistible sweet and gooey filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, spicy notes that complement the brown sugar perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons – for filling): Helps to bind the filling, so it’s just the right consistency.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, melted – for filling): Provides richness and moisture to the filling mix.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup – for glaze): Forms the sweet, delicate glaze to finish the cookies.
- Milk (1 tablespoon or more, for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for an easy drizzle.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon – for glaze): Gives the glaze a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
- Dash of cinnamon (for glaze): Adds a finishing touch of warm spice to the glaze.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Use a handheld mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air into the dough, which will help give your cookies a tender yet satisfying texture.
Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, building the foundation of this decadent Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these together ensures even distribution of leaveners and seasoning so your cookies will bake evenly and taste balanced.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid over-mixing to keep those cookies irresistibly soft and tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This resting period firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together slightly. This filling will be the sweet, gooey surprise inside each cookie.
Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
Step 8: Assemble the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to form balls from the dough, then gently flatten each one. Spoon about half a teaspoon of the cinnamon-brown sugar filling into the center, carefully top with another dough ball, seal the edges well, and roll gently to form a smooth, round cookie. This assembly is what brings the pop-tart charm to these cookies!
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the cookies on your baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will be soft and tender with a slightly crisped edge.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—they will be delicate right out of the oven—then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This ensures the glaze adheres beautifully without melting away.
Step 11: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle this sweet, cinnamon-kissed glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set. This final touch takes the flavor and presentation to a whole new level and seals in all the cozy sweetness.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and texture, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or crushed cinnamon sugar over the glaze right after drizzling. These little touches balance the sweetness and add a delightful crunch. You can even add tiny edible gold flakes for a festive look if you want to impress guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, echoing the underlying cinnamon spice. For brunch gatherings, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait for a sweet finish to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a rustic wooden board tied with twine for charming gift-giving or party favors. You can also sandwich a small scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert treat, turning this Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe into an ice cream sandwich sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, and the cookies maintain their soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until hard, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment layers between to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature before glazing.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies fresh-baked warmth, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them too soft or chewy. After reheating, drizzle with the glaze or enjoy as is.
FAQs
Can I make the filling in advance for this Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! The cinnamon and brown sugar filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes baking day even easier and more relaxed.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for the dough?
Cornstarch is included for softness, but if unavailable, you can omit it and add a little extra flour instead. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure to check the blend’s package for compatibility and adjust baking time as needed.
What frosting alternatives work if I want to skip the glaze?
If you prefer not to use the glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple cinnamon-sugar sprinkle right after baking keeps them sweet and enchanting without added moisture.
How do I ensure my cookies seal properly around the filling?
Make sure to pinch the edges well and gently roll the cookie balls to smooth out any gaps. Chilling the dough before assembling also helps reduce spreading and leaking during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe is a surefire way to bring joy and a touch of nostalgic comfort to your baking repertoire. With its perfect balance of tender dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a flavorful glaze, these cookies are poised to become your new favorite treat to share or savor solo with a cozy beverage. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and experience these little bites of happiness yourself!
Print
Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar with a soft, buttery cookie dough and a sweet glaze. Each cookie is filled with a spiced brown sugar filling, encased in tender dough that bakes to a perfect golden edge. Finished with a simple cinnamon glaze drizzle, these cookies offer a delightful treat reminiscent of a classic pop-tart in cookie form, perfect for dessert or snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract to fully incorporate into the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough is just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up, which will make shaping easier and improve texture.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until crumbly to create the spiced filling.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, flatten each slightly, place about ½ teaspoon of filling in the center, then top with another dough ball. Seal the edges securely and gently roll into a round shape.
- Bake: Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is important for easier handling and to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Seal the edges well to keep the filling inside while baking.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
