These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a fun twist on a childhood favorite! They’re soft, sweet, and filled with yummy brown sugar goodness.
What makes them even better? You can customize the filling with your favorite jam! I love making a batch to share, but let’s be real—I usually keep a few hidden for myself! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. If you want a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar gives these cookies their sweet, caramel-like flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, mix white sugar with a little molasses (1 tablespoon per cup) for a similar outcome.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal as it lets you control the salt content. If you need a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute; just ensure it’s soft for mixing.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds a warm depth to the filling. I use it for extra flavor, but feel free to leave it out or swap it for nutmeg if you prefer a different spice.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine if you’re out. It gives that perfect sweetness on top!
What’s the Best Way to Seal Cookie Edges?
Sealing the edges properly ensures your filling stays inside while baking. Here’s how:
- After adding the filling, leave about a 1/4 inch border around the edges of the dough.
- Place the top rectangle gently over the filled one and press down slightly.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges all around the cookie, which not only seals them but also adds a cute design!
Be gentle to avoid breaking the dough. If your dough feels soft, chill it for about 15 minutes before rolling to make it easier to work with!
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 10-12 minutes for baking, and then some cooling time before you can enjoy your cookies. Plan for approximately 30 minutes total for making and glazing them, and let them cool as needed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking—this also makes for easy cleanup!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until it’s fully combined. It should be creamy and smooth.
5. Combine Everything:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
6. Roll and Cut the Dough:
Divide the dough in half. Take one half and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut it into rectangles, roughly 3×4 inches wide.
7. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the filling ingredients: brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon (if using). This filling is what makes the cookies sweet and flavorful!
8. Fill the Cookies:
Place a small spoonful of the filling onto half of the cookie rectangles. Spread it evenly, but make sure to leave a small border around the edges.
9. Top the Cookies:
Roll out the other half of the dough and cut out matching rectangles. Place each rectangle on top of the filled ones. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them closed. This also creates a pretty pattern!
10. Bake:
Transfer the filled cookies to your prepared baking sheets. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are nicely golden brown.
11. Cool:
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from getting soggy.
12. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
13. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over them in whatever design you prefer. Add sprinkles to make them extra fun!
14. Let it Set:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before enjoying your cookies.
These sweet and soft cookies are a delightful treat, bringing the nostalgic flavors of Pop Tarts into a homemade cookie form. Enjoy them with a cup of milk or share with friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may lead to a denser texture. You might want to use a mixture of half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a lighter result while still getting some health benefits.
What If My Cookies Don’t Seal Properly?
If your cookies don’t seal completely, don’t worry! If they puff up and split during baking, they’ll still taste great. To help with sealing, make sure to press the edges firmly with a fork or consider chilling the dough for about 15 minutes before assembling.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I Change the Filling Flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap the brown sugar filling for jams, chocolate, or even fruit preserves. Just make sure to adjust the quantity so it doesn’t spill out while baking—use about 2-3 teaspoons for each cookie!
