If you have a soft spot for nostalgic flavors and crave an irresistible treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweet comfort of brown sugar, then this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a perfect marriage between a classic pop tart and a cookie, delivering every bite packed with gooey cinnamon filling encased in buttery, tender dough. These cookies are fun to make, fantastic to eat, and guaranteed to bring a cozy vibe to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this recipe is a delicious way to share a little happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies, all you need are simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the richness of the butter to the sweet cinnamon-swirled filling.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups + 1 tablespoon): The foundation of the dough and filling, providing structure and just the right chew.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently, giving them a soft yet firm texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup + 2 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie and the filling.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that perfectly golden brown exterior.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth into both the cookie dough and glaze.
- Milk (1 tablespoon + 2-3 tablespoons): Adjusts the dough consistency and smooths out the glaze.
- Packed brown sugar (¾ cup): Brings that signature caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice that fills the cookies with aromatic, cozy warmth.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Key for creating the silky glaze topping.
- Sprinkles (optional): A fun decorative touch to make your cookies extra festive.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning. In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until you see a light, fluffy texture—that’s about 2 to 3 minutes of beating. Then, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract for richness and flavor. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, combining until just blended. If the dough feels crumbly or too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve a smooth yet slightly firm dough. Once done, divide it into two balls, wrap them properly, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This chill time lets the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
While the dough chills, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and the tablespoon of flour until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. This luscious filling will be the sweet, gooey center that makes each bite memorable, with butter enhancing the texture and cinnamon delivering that classic fragrance.
Step 3: Shape and Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for non-stick baking. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough ball to roughly a quarter-inch thickness. Grab your favorite cookie cutter, whether rectangles for that classic pop tart look or whimsical shapes like castle towers to add personality. Cut out shapes, then place a small dollop of your brown sugar cinnamon filling onto half of the pieces. Top with the remaining dough cutouts, sealing edges with gentle pressure. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only seals the cookies beautifully but adds a cute decorative touch.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Place your assembled cookies on the baking sheet with some space between them to avoid sticking. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges show a delicate golden brown hue and the centers feel set to the touch. After baking, give them a few minutes to cool on the tray before moving them to a wire rack—this ensures their bottoms stay crisp without becoming soggy.
Step 5: Glaze and Decorate
For that perfect finishing touch, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth, creating a sweet glaze that drizzles beautifully over your cooled cookies. Feel free to add sprinkles on top to make these treats as joyful to look at as they are to eat. This glaze adds extra sweetness and an attractive shine, making these cookies truly pop!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are primed for fun garnishes—try a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra sparkle, or sprinkle colorful nonpareils on the glaze for festive flair. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add exciting contrasting flavors if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Serve these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to enhance their cozy spice notes. A dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dip, turning your cookie break into a sweet celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh fruit for a charming gift or party centerpiece. Or, sandwich a layer of your favorite jam or cream cheese frosting between two cookies to make playful homemade pop tart-inspired sandwiches. The whimsical shapes allow for endless themed presentations too, especially for kids’ parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep their delightful texture fresh. Placing parchment paper between layers helps prevent sticking and keeps their pretty glaze intact.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for a sweet craving later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies fresh and warm, heat them for about 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their buttery softness and cozy cinnamon flavors, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine. Keep in mind that margarine contains more water, which might affect the dough’s consistency and the richness of your cookies. For best results, use a high-quality margarine designed for baking.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges thoroughly by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork. Chilling the dough beforehand also helps maintain shape and prevent the filling from spilling out. Avoid overfilling, using just a small amount of filling in the center.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine. Make sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure.
Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can replace the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a chicken egg. Also, swap milk and vanilla extract with your favorite plant-based alternatives to keep the chewy texture and warm flavors.
Can I add other spices to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, clove, or ginger for a spiced twist. Start with small amounts—about ¼ teaspoon—to complement the cinnamon without overpowering it. These subtle additions can give a unique depth to the filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about making and sharing these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe. With each buttery, cinnamon-filled bite, you capture that perfect blend of nostalgic warmth and homemade love. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to treat for cozy mornings, special occasions, or whenever you want to feel a little extra joy in cookie form. So grab your ingredients, invite some smiles, and bake up a batch—you deserve all the sweet moments these cookies bring!
Print
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, featuring a tender buttery crust filled with a luscious brown sugar and cinnamon filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Inspired by classic pop tarts, these cookies are a fun twist perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more if needed)
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. If the dough is too dry, add additional milk, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and slightly stiff. Divide the dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Make the brown sugar cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and flour. Stir until the mixture forms a thick paste. Set aside.
- Shape and assemble the cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one ball of chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into rectangles or castle shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place a small amount of the brown sugar cinnamon filling in the center of half the shapes. Top with the remaining dough pieces and press edges to seal, using a fork to crimp for decoration.
- Bake the cookies: Place shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers set. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze and decorate: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and yields better-shaped cookies.
- If the filling is too runny, add a little more flour to thicken before assembling the cookies.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Let the glaze set fully before stacking or storing the cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
