Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a cookie that perfectly captures the warm, nostalgic essence of your favorite breakfast pastry: that’s the magic of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. These oversized treats have it all: a soft, buttery exterior, a gooey brown sugar-cinnamon filling, and a beautiful glaze that completes every bite with a sweet finish. It’s a mashup recipe that’s as decadent as it is comforting, and truly irresistible for anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia baked right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies come together with tried-and-true pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in their flavor, texture, and irresistible appeal. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to mimic the classic breakfast treat, with just enough upgrades to make these cookies something truly special.

• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides rich flavor and a tender texture, both in the dough and filling—be sure it’s fully softened for the creamiest results.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookies and helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Imparts that signature molasses flavor and chewy texture while starring in both the dough and filling.
• Eggs (room temperature): Help bind the dough and contribute to a soft, cakey crumb that’s deliciously thick.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet, cozy flavors and brings warmth to each bite.
• Cake flour: Gives these cookies their signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb (much lighter than all-purpose flour).
• Cornstarch: Creates a soft, bakery-style cookie and keeps the crumb light.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough in the oven.
• Baking powder: Adds extra lift, so the cookies puff up to bakery size.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavor in every component.
• Cinnamon: That signature Pop Tart flavor! Essential in both the filling and the glaze for a cozy, nostalgic warmth.
• Powdered sugar: The backbone of the sweet, smooth glaze that drapes over each cookie.
• Milk: Gives the icing the perfect consistency for drizzling and spreading.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by adding the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar to the bowl of your stand mixer (or grab your trusty hand mixer with paddle attachment). Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes. The goal here is to whip the butter and sugars together until it’s visibly lighter in color and irresistibly fluffy. This base is the secret to those thick, soft bakery-style cookies you’ll remember.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Continue beating for another 1-2 minutes until everything is silky and smooth. This extra bit of mixing not only incorporates the eggs but also adds extra lift and structure so your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies have just the right amount of chew.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Once thoroughly combined, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet dough, mixing on medium speed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you go—the dough will be thick but should come together easily. Cover and chill the dough for at least one hour, which helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to stuff and shape later on.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

While your dough chills, grab a medium bowl and stir together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the filling. It should look thick and paste-like. Scoop out heaping teaspoonfuls (about 2 teaspoons each), roll them into little balls, and set them on a baking sheet. These gems are what give every bite of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies that unmistakable center!

Step 5: Stuff and Shape Cookies

Scoop the chilled cookie dough using a 1/4 cup measuring cup (or a hefty cookie scoop). Break each scoop in half and press your thumb into one half to form a well. Nestle a filling ball inside, then plop the other half on top. Pinch the seams to seal the filling inside and roll into a ball. This step is where the magic happens—folding that brown sugar-cinnamon core right into the thick, pillowy dough.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Space out the dough balls, about 2 inches apart, on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 11-13 minutes. The cookies should be just set on top, with lightly golden edges and soft centers—they’ll finish firming up as they cool. Rest them on the sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 7: Glaze Generously

As the cookies cool, whisk together the icing ingredients: powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk, until smooth and pourable. Place a sheet of parchment under the cooling rack and drizzle (or spoon) the glaze over each cookie, letting it run down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes for that classic, slightly crackled bakery finish—and then, enjoy every sweet, gooey bite!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Garnishes

Dress up these cookies with a dusting of extra ground cinnamon, a pinch of raw sugar for sparkle, or even a drizzle of caramel. If you enjoy a little crunch, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or toasted pecans over the wet glaze is a fun and festive finishing touch!

Side Dishes

Pair your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm mug of chai, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate. They’re also right at home alongside other breakfast treats—think a fruit salad or a platter of fresh berries for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies high on a pretty cake stand for a showstopping party centerpiece, or tuck a couple in a parchment-lined box as a nostalgic treat in lunchboxes. You can even cut them into quarters for a generous cookie platter, letting everyone try a taste without committing to a full-size treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the glaze sets, store leftover Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay tender and moist, and their flavor actually deepens a bit as they sit—if you can resist eating them all on day one!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, both baked and unbaked. To freeze unbaked, shape the stuffed dough balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, skip the glaze, and freeze in a single layer. Glaze after thawing for best results.

Reheating

If your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies have been stored in the fridge or freezer, let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in a low oven (300°F for a few minutes). This revives their soft centers and brings the brown sugar-cinnamon aroma wafting right back.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can swap in all-purpose flour if that’s all you have, but the cookies may be a little denser. For the lightest, bakery-style crumb, cake flour is best for these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

What’s the best way to stuff the cookies?

The easiest way is to break each dough scoop in half, make a little well, and enclose the filling ball tightly before rolling into a smooth ball. Sealing the filling completely helps it stay gooey in the middle during baking.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Absolutely! Use a smaller cookie scoop and a scant teaspoon of filling per cookie. Keep an eye on the baking time (check at 8-9 minutes) since smaller cookies will bake faster.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to fully seal the cookie dough around the filling with no gaps. Chilling the stuffed dough balls before baking can also help prevent leaks and keep everything tucked and gooey inside.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend made for baking in place of the cake flour. The texture will be slightly different, but the Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies flavor and gooey filling will shine through.

Final Thoughts

Give these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies a try and rediscover all the simple, sweet comfort of your childhood—but in an irresistibly big, bakery-style cookie format. Bake them for yourself or share with friends: they’re bound to put a smile on everyone’s face!

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