Bring the nostalgic flavors of your favorite breakfast treat to cookie form with these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies! Bursting with rich brown sugar sweetness and a luscious filling tucked inside a buttery, flaky cookie, these treats combine the best of both worlds. Perfect for snacking, dessert, or sharing with friends, these cookies offer a delicious twist that’s both comforting and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Nostalgic Flavor: Captures the sweet, caramel notes of brown sugar combined with a soft, flaky texture.
Luscious Filling: A gooey center that mimics the classic pop tart surprise.
Buttery and Soft: Tender cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite.
Fun and Unique: A creative twist that’s perfect for cookie lovers looking for something different.
Great for Sharing: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a special homemade treat.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
To create these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to make magic in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and a soft texture.
Baking powder: This little leavening agent helps your cookies rise, giving them that perfect fluffy bite.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds richness and helps create a tender cookie.
Brown sugar: The star of the show! Its deep, caramel flavor is what makes these cookies so irresistible.
Large egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture for a chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this classic flavor elevates the overall taste, making it warm and inviting.
Cinnamon: A hint of spice that complements the brown sugar and adds warmth to each bite.
Milk: Used to adjust the dough’s consistency, ensuring it’s just right for rolling and cutting.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the sweet icing that tops these cookies, making them even more delightful.
Additional milk (for icing): Just a bit more to achieve the perfect drizzle consistency for your icing.
Sprinkles (optional): For a fun, festive touch that adds color and excitement to your cookies.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything you need for printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Creating these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will impress everyone.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Set this mixture aside for now.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
This should take about 2-3 minutes.
The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture, which will help your cookies rise beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
This adds moisture and flavor, making your cookies irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Mix until just combined.
If the dough feels too dry, don’t hesitate to add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Step 6: Roll and Cut Dough
Now, divide the dough in half.
Roll each half out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut out rectangles, about 3×4 inches.
Step 7: Fill Cookies
Place half of the rectangles on your prepared baking sheet.
Add a small dollop of your favorite jam or filling in the center of each rectangle.
This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Seal and Crimp
Top each filled rectangle with another rectangle of dough.
Press the edges together to seal them tightly.
For a decorative touch, use a fork to crimp the edges.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden.
The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 10: Prepare Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing.
Mix the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Adjust the consistency as needed; it should be pourable but not too runny.
Step 11: Decorate
Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies.
If you’re feeling festive, add sprinkles on top.
Allow the icing to set before serving, and then enjoy your delicious creations!
Tips for Success
Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming with the sugar.
Don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft; it helps with rolling.
Experiment with different jams or fillings for unique flavor combinations.
Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to avoid over-browning.
Let the cookies cool completely before icing for a smooth finish.
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet: A standard one works, but a silicone mat can help with even baking.
Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is best for creaming ingredients.
Whisk: A hand whisk is great, but an electric mixer speeds things up.
Rolling pin: If you don’t have one, a wine bottle can do the trick!
Variations
Nutella Filling: Swap out the jam for Nutella for a rich, chocolatey twist that’s sure to please.
Peanut Butter Delight: Use peanut butter as a filling for a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with brown sugar.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Fruit Jam Medley: Experiment with different fruit jams like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for a burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Milk: A classic pairing! Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
Coffee: Enjoy them alongside a warm cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Presentation: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter and sprinkle with extra icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
FAQs about Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Can I use different fillings for my Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?
Absolutely! While jam is a classic choice, feel free to get creative. Nutella, peanut butter, or even cream cheese can make delicious fillings. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookies. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on the dough itself. This will help you roll it out without making a mess.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
Final Thoughts
Baking Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and joy.
Each bite is a delightful reminder of childhood, where sweet treats brought smiles and laughter.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with family or friends, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a scoop of ice cream, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.
So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet adventure begin!
Delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies filled with your favorite jam or filling, topped with a sweet icing.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough is too dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a workable consistency.
Divide the dough in half and roll each half out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out rectangles (about 3×4 inches) using a knife or cookie cutter.
Place half of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Add a small dollop of your favorite jam or filling in the center of each rectangle.
Top each filled rectangle with another rectangle of dough. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Notes
For a fun twist, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
You can also substitute the jam with Nutella or peanut butter for a different filling option.
