Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a gooey cinnamon filling and a delightful cinnamon glaze, these cookies capture the essence of classic pop tarts but in a homemade form. They are easy to whip up and can be stored for later enjoyment, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or simply as an everyday snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: These cookies offer a sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor that delights your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can create these delectable treats without fuss.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy night in with family.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and kept chilled until you’re ready to bake.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: These cookies are fun to make with children, allowing for creativity with shapes and fillings.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Below are the essential tools you will need to prepare your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy cookie dough quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls prevents cross-contamination of wet and dry ingredients.
• Parchment paper: It ensures that your cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet, leading to easy removal.

Ingredients

These soft Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are packed with a gooey cinnamon filling and topped with a cinnamon glaze. They taste just like the classic pop tart and are easy to make and store.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
– 2 eggs (room temperature)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 3/4 cups cake flour
– 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
– 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 2 Tablespoon cake flour
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
– 2 1/2 Tablespoon milk

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until well combined. Then add the vanilla extract and eggs, beating for another minute or two until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 1–2 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the bowl’s sides. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for one hour.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

In another medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour. Stir until smooth. Use about a heaping teaspoon (around two teaspoons) of filling per cookie; roll it into a ball and place it on one of your prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Form Cookies

Scoop out chilled dough using a quarter-cup measuring cup or large cookie scoop. Divide each scoop into two halves; create a well in one half. Place one ball of filling inside this well before covering it with the other half of dough. Pinch seams together gently to seal in the filling before rolling into a ball again.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Arrange cookie dough balls on your baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 11–13 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown but centers remain soft. Allow cooling on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Icing

While cookies cool down completely on racks, whisk all icing ingredients together until smooth. Place parchment paper under racks then drizzle icing over each cookie generously allowing it to spread naturally towards edges. Let icing set for about fifteen minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are perfect for sharing, celebrations, or a cozy night in. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies. The milk helps balance the flavors and adds creaminess.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The heat from the cookie melts the ice cream slightly, creating a delicious treat.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• For those who love a bit more sweetness, drizzle additional cinnamon glaze over each cookie just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

As Part of a Cookie Platter

• Arrange these cookies alongside other baked goods for a festive dessert platter. They add variety and color to any gathering.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair these cookies with fresh berries or slices of apple for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Enjoy the cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and flavor will elevate your snacking experience.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

To ensure your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that butter and eggs are at room temperature allows for better mixing and texture in your cookies.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent spreading during baking, leading to thicker cookies.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup; this keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when they’re just set; they will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with Fillings: While cinnamon filling is delicious, feel free to try chocolate or fruit fillings for variation in flavor.

• Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness for days.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

When serving Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, consider these delightful side dishes that complement their flavor profile perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with rich cookies.

3. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess pairs well with sweet flavors.

4. Chocolate Fondue
   Serve melted chocolate for dipping fruit or even pieces of cookie, adding an interactive element to dessert time.

5. Nut Mix
   A blend of salted nuts offers a crunchy, savory counterpoint that enhances the overall taste experience.

6. Cinnamon Spiced Hot Cocoa
   This warm drink echoes the cinnamon flavors in your cookies and provides comfort during colder months.

7. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzle caramel sauce over sliced apples as a sweet side that complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully.

8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
   Create an ice cream sundae station where guests can build their desserts using various toppings alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cookie texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough for at least one hour.
• Incorrect measuring of flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven when they are just set; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• Skipping the glaze: The cinnamon glaze adds flavor and appeal. Don’t skip this step if you want your cookies to have that pop tart essence.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, here are some frequently asked questions.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor, but it may alter the color of your cookies slightly.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the tops should look set but not overly firm.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate chips for unique flavors.

How long do these cookies last?

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop it into balls and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors that evoke nostalgia while being irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving them at holiday gatherings or enjoying them as a cozy snack, they are sure to impress. Customize with your favorite fillings or toppings for even more enjoyment!