Irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies – a delightful fusion of bakery-style treats and the beloved toaster pastry. These cookies capture the essence of childhood with their gooey cinnamon center and soft, cake-like texture. As you bake a batch of these nostalgic goodies, your kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, evoking memories of lazy holiday mornings and cozy family gatherings.

Crafted with a blend of unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies strike the perfect balance between familiar flavors and a playful twist. Each bite is a reminder of simpler times, when a pop tart was a breakfast staple and a source of childhood delight. The tender dough, luscious filling, and sugary glaze come together to create a timeless treat that is sure to please kids and adults alike.

Whether you savor these cookies with a glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they are bound to bring a moment of pure bliss. With tips on ingredient substitutions and storage options, you can easily customize these cookies to suit your preferences. So, channel your inner baker, whip up a batch of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, and let the nostalgic flavors transport you back to carefree days of indulging in sweet treats.

Quick Benefits

• Cinnamon aroma reminiscent of childhood breakfasts
• Soft and tender texture thanks to light brown sugar
• Versatile substitutions for dietary needs (dairy-free, flour alternatives)
• Freezing options for convenient storage and quick baking

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

• Nostalgic Cravings: Satisfy your nostalgic cravings with these cookies that offer a gooey cinnamon center and a tender cake-like bite, reminiscent of childhood breakfasts.
• Playful Mash-Up: Enjoy a playful mash-up of classic bakery-style cookies and the beloved toaster pastry, creating a unique treat perfect for cozy weekends or sharing at gatherings.
• Aromatic Baking: Fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon rolls every time you bake these cookies, evoking memories of lazy holiday mornings and baking with loved ones.
• Versatile Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to two months, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand.
• Customizable Flavors: Customize the cookies with variations like adding nutmeg or clove to the filling, orange zest for a winter twist, or toasted pecans for extra crunch, allowing you to tailor the cookies to your liking.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Impress friends and family with these cookies that have proven to be a hit at bake sales, praised as the best cookies ever tasted by kids, and loved by all who enjoy a homemade treat.
• Make-Ahead Options: Freeze unbaked filled dough balls or baked and glazed cookies for easy prep and quick baking, providing a convenient way to enjoy these delightful treats anytime.
• Blend of Flavors: Experience the timeless combination of brown sugar, thick dough, and sugary glaze that draws its inspiration from the iconic pop tarts, creating a flavor profile that is both classic and crowd-pleasing.
• Bakery-Style Texture: Achieve a light and tender texture by using cake flour and cornstarch in the dough, while light brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to both the filling and dough, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
• Simple Assembly: Easily assemble the cookies by pinching the dough edges tightly around the brown sugar filling and rolling into a ball to seal, creating a neat and delicious treat with every bite.

Ingredients for Irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Cookies

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 3/4 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Brown Sugar Filling

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cake flour
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Brown Sugar Glaze

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk

Pro Tips for Irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

To ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly, use cake flour and cornstarch to achieve a light and tender dough. Be mindful not to overbake the cookies for a soft and gooey center reminiscent of a classic pop tart.

Light brown sugar is key to infusing a sweet and caramel note into both the filling and dough, keeping them moist and flavorful. Remember to pinch the dough edges tightly around the brown sugar filling and roll into a ball to seal in all that deliciousness.

For storing leftovers, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

How to Make Irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, mix unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes on medium-high speed.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in vanilla extract and eggs until smooth and fluffy, beating for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a different mixing bowl, combine cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture. Beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping bowl sides as necessary.

Step 4: Chill Cookie Dough

Chill the dough for 1 hour before shaping.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Make Brown Sugar Filling

Combine softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a medium bowl until smooth. Form heaping teaspoon-sized balls of the mixture and place them on a prepared tray.

Step 7: Fill and Shape Cookies

Scoop chilled dough using a 1/4 cup measuring cup. Break each portion in half and create a well in one half. Fill the well with a filling ball, cover with the remaining dough half, and seal by pinching seams. Roll into a ball to fully encase the filling.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until tops are set and edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

During the cooling process of the cookies, combine powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk, whisking until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Glaze and Set Cookies

Line the rack with parchment paper. Drizzle glaze over each cookie, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the delicious brown sugar pop tart cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The cookies will stay soft and retain their moisture due to the brown sugar content. If you wish to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to two months. Remember to bring the cookies back to room temperature before enjoying them to maintain their best texture and tenderness.

To freeze unbaked filled dough balls, place them on a sheet and transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake the frozen dough balls directly, adding two extra minutes to the bake time. If you prefer to freeze already baked and glazed cookies, layer them between parchment paper and store in an airtight container. Thaw the frozen cookies at room temperature before serving to preserve their taste and texture. Whether storing for a few days or longer-term, following these storage tips will help you enjoy these nostalgic cookies whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour by weighing out the same amount and adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to help mimic the lower protein content of cake flour. For a quick fix if you run out of light brown sugar, mix white sugar with a small amount of molasses to create a similar flavor profile. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use your favorite vegan butter, keeping in mind that the flavor may be slightly altered.

To add a seasonal twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the filling during cooler months. In the fall, try topping the glaze with toasted pecans for added crunch. For a winter variation, incorporate orange zest into the dough for a refreshing twist. Feel free to get creative with these substitutions to tailor the cookies to your preferences or the season.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies for an indulgent treat. The combination of the gooey cinnamon filling, tender cake-like cookie, and creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures that will surely impress your guests.

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before serving, adding a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. Pair this dessert with a piping hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance out the richness of the cookies and create a cozy, nostalgic experience that will transport you back to childhood breakfast memories.

FAQs for Irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Can I substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour by using an equal weight of all-purpose flour plus one extra tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of cake flour.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of these cookies by using your favorite vegan butter. Keep in mind that the flavor may slightly differ from the original recipe.

Can I freeze the unbaked filled dough or the baked and glazed cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked filled dough balls or the baked and glazed cookies. For unbaked dough, freeze them on a sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, freeze them between layers of parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Do I have to add the glaze to these cookies?

No, you can enjoy these cookies without the glaze if you prefer. The glaze adds sweetness and cinnamon flavor, but the cookies are delicious even without it.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy baking these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies as much as I do. The warm cinnamon aroma and gooey filling are sure to bring back fond memories and create new ones with your loved ones. Remember to savor each bite and share the joy of homemade treats with those around you.

Whether you’re making these cookies for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, the blend of nostalgic flavors and bakery-style goodness is bound to make them a hit. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, and indulge in a little taste of childhood with a twist of grown-up sweetness. Happy baking!