Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies – A Nostalgic and Chewy Delight

If you love brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts, get ready for a new favorite treat—Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies! These cookies take everything you love about the classic toaster pastry and turn it into a soft, chewy, and flavor-packed cookie. With a brown sugar cinnamon filling, a buttery cookie base, and a sweet glaze, they are the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence.

These cookies are great for weekend baking, holiday cookie trays, or a fun after-school snack. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, and you’ve got the ultimate treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Tastes Just Like Pop-Tarts – A fun, homemade take on the classic flavor.
✔ Soft & Chewy – Perfect texture with a gooey brown sugar cinnamon filling.
✔ Easy to Make – No complicated steps or chilling required.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, bake sales, or casual snacking.
✔ Customizable – Can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or with different fillings.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Brown Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Mixing Bowls – For the cookie dough, filling, and glaze.
✔ Electric Mixer or Whisk – To cream the butter and sugar.
✔ Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
✔ Baking Sheets – Lined with parchment paper for easy baking.
✔ Spoon or Cookie Scoop – To evenly portion the dough.
✔ Wire Rack – For cooling the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Brown Sugar Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.
2. Set aside to use as the filling.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly.
2. Add ½ teaspoon of the brown sugar filling to the center.
3. Place another flattened dough ball on top and seal the edges, rolling it into a smooth ball.
4. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are slightly soft.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Glaze & Drizzle

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Enjoy with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot chocolate.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

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Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies

✔ Don’t Overbake – The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
✔ Chill the Dough for a Thicker Cookie – If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
✔ Seal the Edges Well – This prevents the filling from leaking out.
✔ Use Fresh Cinnamon – High-quality cinnamon enhances the warm, spiced flavor.
✔ Let the Glaze Set Before Stacking – This keeps the cookies from sticking together.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Make It Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
• Dairy-Free Version – Swap butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free milk in the glaze.
• Add a Nutty Crunch – Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Make It Extra Cinnamon-y – Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• Try a Different Filling – Experiment with apple pie filling, Nutella, or caramel for a unique twist.

How to Store and Reheat Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
• Reheat: Microwave for 10 seconds to soften before eating.

Serving Suggestions

✔ With a Cup of Coffee or Tea – A perfect afternoon snack.
✔ With Ice Cream – Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
✔ With Hot Chocolate – A cozy winter treat.
✔ As a Gift – Package in a box for a homemade present.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overstuffing the Cookies – Too much filling can leak out while baking.
❌ Skipping the Cooling Time – Let the glaze set before stacking cookies.
❌ Not Flattening the Dough – Flattening helps the cookie bake evenly.
❌ Using Too Much Flour – Measure accurately to avoid dry cookies.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought Pop-Tarts in the dough?

Yes! Chop up brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts and fold them into the dough for extra texture.

Do I have to make the glaze?

No, but it enhances the classic Pop-Tart flavor. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Make the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar is key for the chewy texture, but you can substitute with white sugar if needed.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies are the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence. With a chewy brown sugar cinnamon center, a soft cookie base, and a sweet glaze, they taste just like a homemade version of your favorite childhood treat. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a fun, delicious twist on a classic flavor!

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