Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These irresistible Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of your favorite childhood treat right to your kitchen. With a gooey cinnamon filling and a delightful cinnamon glaze, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon snack. Easy to make and store, you’ll love how they remind you of classic pop tarts while adding a homemade touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful cookies with confidence.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home with family.
• Gooey Filling: The soft cinnamon filling makes every bite a delightful surprise.
• Make Ahead Option: These cookies can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

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Tools and Preparation

To make these scrumptious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Medium mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool ensures that your cookie dough gets light and fluffy, making the cookies tender.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking for perfect cookies.

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 light brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer, or use a hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2–3 minutes until creamy. Then incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs, continuing to mix for an additional minute or two until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients—cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Once combined, gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 1–2 minutes until well mixed. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking sheets. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour to create your filling. Mix until smooth. Use about two teaspoons of this mixture to form small balls of filling and place them on one of the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Assemble Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop or measuring cup (about quarter-cup size), scoop out portions of chilled dough. Divide each portion in half to create two disks. Make a well in one disk’s center; place one ball of filling inside before placing the second disk on top. Pinch the seams closed securely before rolling into balls again.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Arrange your cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 11–13 minutes, until tops are set and edges turn lightly golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on their sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze Your Cookies

While cookies are cooling, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. Place parchment paper under your cooling rack; spoon icing onto each cookie generously so it spreads towards edges. Allow icing to set for about 15 minutes before enjoying your delicious creations!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a festive platter alongside other desserts for an appealing display at parties.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

To make your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies even better, consider these helpful tips. These will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to sit out before baking. This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least one hour allows the flavors to meld and prevents spreading during baking.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even baking.

• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they’re just set to avoid drying them out.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that elevate your dessert experience. Consider pairing them with these delicious options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess to the sweet cookie flavor.

2. Milkshake: Blend up a simple milkshake for a fun twist, perfect for dipping.

3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.

4. Coffee Cake: Serve alongside coffee cake for a delightful brunch option that guests will love.

5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, creating a balanced snack board.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft texture.
• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter for the best results.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Make sure to chill for at least one hour before baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Incorrect measurements can ruin the recipe. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Ignoring oven temperatures – Every oven is different, and yours may run hot or cold. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for precision.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls; just make sure to separate them with parchment paper.

Reheating Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop – Warm in a non-stick pan over low heat, turning frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.

Can I substitute regular sugar for brown sugar in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

Yes, you can use granulated sugar, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor.

How long do Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies last?

These cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature if stored correctly in an airtight container.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You can customize your filling with jam or chocolate chips instead of cinnamon! Feel free to experiment with flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! With their gooey centers and sweet glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try customizing them with different fillings or toppings; the possibilities are endless!