Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Oh, I can’t wait to share this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies have quickly become my go-to treat whenever I’m craving something sweet with a cozy, nostalgic vibe. You know that warm cinnamon and brown sugar goodness from pop tarts, but in a soft, chewy cookie form? That’s exactly the magic here. They’re perfect for cozy afternoons with a cup of tea or as a fun twist for bake sales or holiday treats.

What I love most about this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe is how it balances that rich sweetness with a tender crumb, plus a drizzle of icing that brings the whole experience together. Honestly, these cookies are a little slice of comfort that everyone will be asking for seconds on — and trust me, they’re just as fun (if not more) to make as they are to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these cookies so irresistible. The blend of brown sugar and cinnamon creates that signature filling, while the slightly tangy icing adds just the right finishing touch. Here’s a little tip: choosing unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly, which really helps the flavors shine.

• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and a smooth dough texture.
• Brown sugar (for dough): Packed tightly to ensure the right moisture and sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds balance to the brown sugar’s deeper sweetness.
• Large eggs: Use at room temperature to help dough bind well and rise nicely.
• Vanilla extract: The secret little boost to flavor that makes everything taste homemade.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie, providing structure without being heavy.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay tender.
• Baking soda: Adds lightness and balances the acid from brown sugar.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Brown sugar (for filling): The star of the inside, mixed with cinnamon for that classic pop tart feel.
• Cinnamon: Use fresh ground if possible — it makes such a difference!
• Milk (for filling and icing): Helps get the right consistency, so don’t skip it.
• Powdered sugar (for icing): Creates a silky, sweet glaze that’s just right for drizzling.
• Sprinkles (optional): Because sometimes, a little color and fun on top just can’t be beat.

Variations

Playing around with this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe is part of the fun for me. Depending on the occasion or what I have on hand, I like to switch up fillings or toppings to keep things exciting. Plus, this recipe is pretty forgiving, making personal tweaks really easy.

• Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped in a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and with a bit of extra vanilla, the results were just as delicious and soft.
• Fruit filling: Sometimes I add a layer of my favorite jam under the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for a fruitier twist!
• Sugar-free icing: Using a sugar substitute in the glaze works well for those watching sugar intake, and I still get that pop tart vibe.
• Nut additions: Chopped pecans or walnuts stirred into the filling add a lovely crunch that I personally adore.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer. This step is key for texture because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies nice and tender. Don’t rush it, and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to avoid any curdling and to help the dough come together smoothly. At this stage, your mixture will look luscious and ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to your wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with cinnamon and a splash of milk until you get a slightly sticky, spreadable mixture. This filling is what gives these cookies their charming pop tart personality, so don’t skimp on that cinnamon — it really wakes up the flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Roll out half your dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s about a quarter-inch thick. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, roll out the remaining dough to the same thickness and carefully place it on top, sealing the edges by pressing down gently. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a cute, classic look.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slice the dough into cookie-sized rectangles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before adding the icing — this helps the glaze stay neat and not melt away.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Icing

Whisk together your powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and beautifully pourable. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies and, if you like, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top for that extra pop. Let the icing set for about 15 minutes before digging in.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with classic rainbow sprinkles—it just feels fun and festive, especially around holidays or for kids’ parties. Sometimes I swap sprinkles for a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the icing, which adds an unexpected but delightful flavor twist.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of chai or creamy hot chocolate to elevate the cozy factor. They’re also fantastic alongside fresh fruit for a balanced dessert plate, especially if you want to cut back the sweetness a bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe treats on a tiered cake stand with mini bowls of extra cinnamon sugar and sprinkles for guests to customize their own. It’s such a delightful interaction and makes the cookies feel extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between them to keep the icing intact. They usually stay fresh and delicious for about 4-5 days, although they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze for later, I recommend freezing unbaked cookie dough logs tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. You can slice and bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you always have fresh Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To refresh a cookie, pop it in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes — this softly warms the cookie and revives that fresh-baked texture without melting the icing too much. Microwave heating tends to make them a bit too soft and sticky, so oven reheating is my preferred method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns an old favorite childhood snack into a warm, homemade treat you can share any time. I hope you’ll enjoy the fun of making these as much as I do — they’re straightforward enough for a weekend baking project but impressive enough to wow anyone who tastes them. Next time you want a cozy cookie with a little nostalgic magic, remember this recipe and trust me, it’ll hit all the right spots!

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

★★★★★ 4.6 from 94 reviews

• Author: Any
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of classic pop tarts with the ease of cookie baking. Featuring a tender, buttery dough filled with a sweet cinnamon brown sugar filling, these cookies are finished with a smooth powdered sugar icing and optional sprinkles for a fun, festive look. Perfect for an indulgent dessert or a sweet snack, they offer a delightful balance of soft textures and warm flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup milk

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk to create a thick filling mixture. Stir until the sugar and cinnamon are evenly moistened by the milk, forming a spreadable paste-like consistency.
3. Assemble the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into rectangular shapes, approximately 3×4 inches. Spread a spoonful of the brown sugar cinnamon filling onto each rectangle, leaving space around edges. Roll out the remaining dough and cut matching rectangles. Place these on top of the filled dough pieces and gently press the edges together to seal the filling inside. You can crimp edges with a fork for a classic tart look.
4. Bake the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the assembled cookies onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
5. Prepare the Icing and Decorate: In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk, adding more milk slowly until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the icing on top of each cookie. Sprinkle with optional colorful sprinkles if desired. Allow the icing to set for about 20 minutes before serving.

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Notes

• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes rolling easier.
• Ensure the filling is not too runny to avoid leaking during baking.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For a firmer icing, reduce the milk slightly; add more milk for a thinner glaze.

Keywords: Brown Sugar Cookies, Pop Tart Cookies, Cinnamon Filling Cookies, Homemade Iced Cookies, Dessert Cookies