Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will make you nostalgic if you grew up enjoying toaster pastries. With a secret brown sugar filling and a warm cinnamon icing, this homemade cookie variation of the traditional brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tart turns those well-known flavors into a soft, chewy treat.

What’s even better than this recipe? It is easy to learn and doesn’t call for sophisticated baking methods. The filling adds an appealing surprise within, and the dough is simple to deal with. These cookies will soon become a family favorite, whether you’re baking them for a holiday get-together, a weekend treat, or just because.

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

The Reasons This Recipe Is Unique

  • Easy-to-use Procedure: This recipe simplifies every step into clear, understandable instructions so you can bake with confidence, even if you’ve never baked before.
  • Texture: Soft and Chewy: A soft, mushy cookie is produced by combining cake flour with cornstarch.
  • An Unexpected Surprise Inside: Every mouthful is rich and savory because each cookie is filled with a brown sugar cinnamon filling.
  • Adaptable to Your Preferences: extract instead of vanilla extract. The flavors can be changed to suit your own tastes.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe has three main components: the cookie dough, the brown sugar filling, and the glaze. Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

  • Butter – Adds richness and moisture for a soft cookie.
  • Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – Granulated sugar helps create structure, while brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor.
  • Eggs – Provide structure and keep the cookies soft.
  • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor with warmth.
  • Cake Flour – Creates a lighter texture than all-purpose flour. If unavailable, use all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch.
  • Cornstarch – Helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
  • Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Work together to give the cookies the perfect rise.
  • Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the cookie.

Brown Sugar Filling

  • Butter – Helps bind the filling together.
  • Brown Sugar – Provides the signature deep molasses-like sweetness.
  • Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy spice.
  • Cake Flour – Helps the filling hold its shape inside the cookie.

Cinnamon Glaze

  • Powdered Sugar – Forms the sweet base of the glaze.
  • Cinnamon – Infuses the glaze with warm spice.
  • Butter – Adds richness to the glaze.
  • Milk – Thins the glaze for easy drizzling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until it forms a soft paste. Roll into small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out portions of the chilled cookie dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly, place a brown sugar filling ball in the center, and wrap the dough around it to fully enclose the filling. Roll the filled dough into smooth balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops and let it set before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes

  • Chill the Dough – This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they stay thick and soft.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Butter and eggs should be at room temperature for a smoother dough.
  • Don’t Overbake – The cookies will continue cooking as they cool, so it’s best to remove them when they still look slightly underdone in the center.
  • Alternative Flour Options – If you don’t have cake flour, use all-purpose flour but remove 2 tablespoons and replace it with cornstarch for a similar effect.
  • Enhance the Flavor – Add a splash of maple extract to the glaze for a delicious twist.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Coffee or Milk – These cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
  • Make it an Ice Cream Sandwich – Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
  • Serve with Whipped Cream – A dollop of homemade whipped cream makes these cookies even more special.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before enjoying.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and freeze it in portioned balls. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Your Turn to Bake!

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are more than a recipe—they’re a bite of childhood, reimagined. Whether you’re baking solo or with a little helper, this recipe is designed to build confidence. Share your creations in the comments, and let me know how you made them your own!

Happy baking!

FAQ About Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but for a similar texture, replace 2 tablespoons of it with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s softness.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures they have a thick, chewy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze portioned dough balls for up to two months. Let frozen dough sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set, but the centers may still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze enhances the brown sugar cinnamon flavor and adds extra sweetness.

More Relevant Recipes

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a warm cinnamon brown sugar center, just like your favorite childhood toaster pastry. A rich glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making them a cozy and indulgent treat for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
  • Yield: 1820 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3¾ cups (450g) cake flour (or all-purpose flour with 2 tbsp replaced with cornstarch)
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Brown Sugar Filling

  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) cake flour

 

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2½ tablespoons (37ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour until a soft paste forms. Roll into small balls, about 1 teaspoon each, and set aside.
  3. Assemble the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the chilled dough into balls. Flatten each dough ball slightly, place a brown sugar filling ball in the center, and wrap the dough around it to fully enclose the filling. Roll the filled dough into smooth balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  4. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops and let it set before serving.

Notes

  • Let the cookies cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
  • For a deeper cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in both the filling and glaze.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Chilling the dough ensures the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 210kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg





Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star