Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

The Sweet Magic: Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories flood back when you bite into these delightful brown sugar pop tart cookies that capture childhood nostalgia with a grown-up twist.

Crispy edges and soft centers make these treats irresistible for anyone who loves a classic dessert reimagined.

Baking these cookies feels like unwrapping a surprise package of pure comfort and joy.

Buttery dough meets the rich caramel notes of brown sugar, creating a magical combination that dances on your taste buds.

Each cookie promises a delicate balance between flaky pastry and gooey filling that melts perfectly in your mouth.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few clever mixing techniques.

We dare you to resist the temptation of these warm, golden-brown delights fresh from the oven.

  • Why use cake flour in this recipe?

Cake flour creates a softer, more tender cookie texture compared to all-purpose flour because of its lower protein content, which results in a delicate and melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. The chilling process helps develop richer flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a set top. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center, as they’ll continue cooking while cooling on the baking sheet.

Why Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Are A Sweet Surprise

  • Bake Nostalgic Treats: These cookies bring back childhood memories of beloved pop tart flavors, creating a delightful twist on a classic breakfast pastry.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family events, these cookies offer a unique combination of comfort and indulgence that everyone will adore.
  • Master Beginner-Friendly Technique: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, bakers of all skill levels can successfully create these delicious filled cookies without complicated techniques.
  • Customize Flavor Possibilities: The recipe allows for creative variations by experimenting with different filling flavors and glaze combinations, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences.
Main Ingredients:
  • Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: A creamy and sweet foundation that provides rich flavor and soft texture for the cookies.
  • Cake Flour, Cornstarch: A delicate flour combination that creates a tender and smooth cookie structure.
  • Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Binding ingredients that add moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
  • Softened Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cake Flour: A warm and sweet center that creates a delicious surprise inside each cookie.
  • Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon, Melted Butter, Milk: A sweet and creamy glaze that adds a final touch of flavor and visual appeal to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt: Essential components that help the cookies rise and develop a light, airy texture.

Steps To Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Whip the Butter Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes airy and light. Add eggs and vanilla extract, blending until everything combines smoothly.

Step 2: Create Dry Blend

Grab another bowl and whisk cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently.

Cover and chill the dough in refrigerator for one hour.

Step 3: Craft Delicious Filling

Combine ingredients for filling:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Cake flour

Mix until silky smooth.

Roll the filling into tiny balls, approximately two teaspoons each, and set aside.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Pockets

Warm oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop chilled dough, split in half.

Create a center well in one dough piece. Nestle filling ball inside, then cover with second dough half.

Seal edges and roll into perfect round shape. Repeat for remaining cookies.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Position dough balls two inches apart on baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges turn golden and tops look set.

Allow cookies to rest on sheet for five minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 6: Drizzle Dreamy Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted butter
  • Milk

Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.

Let glaze set for fifteen minutes before serving.

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie's shape during baking. Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture. Use cake flour for a softer, more delicate cookie crumb that mimics the classic pop tart consistency. Store filling balls in the refrigerator while preparing the dough to keep them firm and easy to handle. Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the topping from melting and ensure a clean, crisp finish.

Yummy Twists On Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

  • Maple Pecan Pop Tart Cookies: Replace brown sugar filling with a mixture of maple syrup, chopped pecans, and a pinch of cinnamon for a nutty, caramel-like flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Pop Tart Cookies: Swap the brown sugar filling with chocolate-hazelnut spread and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top for a rich, decadent version.
  • Fruit Jam Pop Tart Cookies: Use strawberry or raspberry jam instead of brown sugar filling, creating a fruity center that bursts with sweet-tangy flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Pop Tart Cookies: Mix softened cream cheese with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a creamy filling that complements the cookie's texture.

Snacks And Sips To Pair With Pop Tart Cookies

  • Cinnamon Coffee Companion: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with subtle nutty undertones that complement the brown sugar and cinnamon flavors in the cookies.
  • Creamy Vanilla Milk Pairing: Serve cold, creamy vanilla milk alongside the cookies to balance the warm, sweet spices and provide a smooth, refreshing contrast.
  • Spiced Chai Latte Match: Prepare a warm chai latte with similar warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom that will enhance the cookie's deep, comforting flavor profile.
  • Caramel Apple Cider Delight: Offer a warm, spiced apple cider with a caramel drizzle that echoes the brown sugar notes and creates a cozy, autumnal drinking experience.

Storage Advice For Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

  • Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before storing to maintain freshness.
  • Reheat Refrigerated Cookies: Warm in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. Ensure cookies are completely covered to prevent drying out.
  • Thaw Frozen Cookies: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, warm gently in oven at 250°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.
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Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Brown sugar pop tart cookies blend nostalgic childhood treats with homemade charm, creating irresistible bites of sweet comfort. Delicate pastry wraps around rich brown sugar filling, inviting you to savor each delightful, crumbly morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (220 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 3 3/4 cups (450 grams) cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Brown Sugar Filling:

  • 3/4 cup (165 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Brown Sugar Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (43 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons (37 milliliters) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and airy using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes at medium speed.
  2. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending until fully integrated.
  3. Sift together cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
  5. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour to enhance flavor and texture.
  6. Create filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until completely smooth.
  7. Roll filling mixture into small, uniform balls approximately 2 teaspoons in size.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Divide chilled dough into 1/4 cup portions, splitting each piece in half.
  10. Form a central cavity in one dough half, nestle a filling ball inside, and cover with second dough half.
  11. Carefully seal edges and roll into a perfect spherical shape.
  12. Position cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
  13. Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges turn golden and tops appear set.
  14. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  15. Whisk powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk into a silky glaze.
  16. Drizzle glaze over completely cooled cookies.
  17. Let glaze set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect texture during baking.
  • Create uniform filling balls by using a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent size.
  • Seal cookie edges completely to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and professional appearance.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornstarch.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11-13 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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