Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

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There’s something incredibly nostalgic about biting into a flaky pastry with a gooey brown sugar and cinnamon filling. I grew up loving toaster pastries, and recently I decided to try capturing that same cozy flavor in a cookie form. The result? These delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies that blend tender, buttery dough with a rich, spiced filling—all topped with a sweet glaze and a sprinkle of sugar crystals for a bit of sparkle.

I love making these for a weekend treat or when I’m hosting friends who need a little trip down memory lane. They’re fun to put together, and even better to eat warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re a pop tart fan or simply someone who enjoys a unique cookie, I think you’ll fall for this recipe as much as I have.

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Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Nostalgic Flavor: They taste just like your favorite brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts but with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry.
• Fun to Make: A great baking project for a cozy afternoon.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the filling or glaze to your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: They look beautiful on a dessert tray and make excellent gifts.

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What Kind of Dough Should I Use?

For these cookies, a classic buttery shortcrust or sugar cookie dough works perfectly. You want a dough that can hold its shape and encase the filling without spreading too much. I usually go for a homemade dough with a good amount of butter to give it a rich, tender bite—similar to pie crust but a touch sweeter and more structured. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use store-bought pie dough or even pre-made sugar cookie dough, but I find that a from-scratch dough really elevates the flavor and texture.

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Options for Substitutions

Sometimes you might want to switch things up or accommodate dietary needs. Here are a few easy substitutions that work beautifully in this recipe:

• Butter: You can use plant-based butter if you’d like to make these dairy-free. Just pick one that performs well in baking.
• Flour: A 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend can be used if you need these cookies to be gluten-free. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will both work—the dark version will give a deeper molasses flavor.
• Cinnamon: Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a twist on the filling.
• Milk for Glaze: Non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk can replace regular milk in the glaze.

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Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour
  This forms the structure of the cookie dough, giving it just the right amount of bite while keeping it tender.
• Unsalted Butter
  Butter adds richness and flavor while helping to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar
  Adds sweetness to the dough and contributes to its delicate crispness.
• Egg
  Helps bind the dough and gives it a bit of tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract
  Enhances the flavor of both the dough and the glaze.
• Brown Sugar
  The star of the filling—its deep, caramel-like flavor pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon
  Adds warmth and spice to the filling, creating that nostalgic flavor.
• Powdered Sugar
  Used for the glaze, providing a smooth and sweet finish.
• Milk
  Thins out the glaze to the right consistency for drizzling or spreading.
• Coarse Sugar or Decorative Sugar Crystals
  For sprinkling on top—adds a beautiful finish and a little crunch.

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for creating a tender cookie texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender.

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Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, shape it into two disks, and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to roll out and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

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Step 3: Make the Filling

While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. The mixture should be crumbly and fragrant. If you like a slightly gooier filling, you can add a teaspoon or two of softened butter to the mix.

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Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into even rectangles (around 2×3 inches works well). Place half of the rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the brown sugar filling onto each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.

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Step 5: Seal and Bake

Brush the edges with a bit of water, then top with the remaining dough rectangles. Press the edges gently with a fork to seal. Use a toothpick or fork to poke a couple of holes in the top of each cookie to allow steam to escape. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.

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Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Once the cookies have cooled slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops of the cookies. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with coarse sugar or decorative sugar crystals. Let the glaze set before serving.

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How Long to Cook Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These cookies bake quite quickly! In a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, they typically take 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a light golden brown, and the tops look set. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to a dry cookie, while just the right bake yields that lovely tender bite with a gooey filling.

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Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes rolling and handling the dough much easier and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Seal Well: Be sure to press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Watch the Bake Time: Every oven runs a little differently. Start checking at 12 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the cookies cool a bit before adding the glaze so it doesn’t melt and run off.
• Customize the Filling: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a drizzle of honey for a fun twist on the classic flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Chill Time
  If you skip chilling the dough, it can become too soft and sticky, making it difficult to roll and causing the cookies to spread too much in the oven.
• Overfilling the Cookies
  It’s tempting to pack in a lot of filling, but too much can cause the cookies to burst or leak. A thin layer works best.
• Not Sealing the Edges Properly
  If the edges aren’t sealed well, the filling will escape during baking. A gentle fork press around the edges helps lock everything in place.
• Overbaking
  Watch closely toward the end of baking. The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges. Overbaking can make them too crisp and dry.
• Glazing Too Soon
  If the cookies are too warm when you glaze them, the glaze will melt off. Let them cool slightly first.

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What to Serve With Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?

1. Hot Coffee

The buttery richness of these cookies pairs wonderfully with a robust cup of coffee.

2. Chai Latte

The warm spices in a chai latte enhance the cinnamon in the filling.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

4. Milk

Sometimes nothing beats dunking a cookie in a cold glass of milk.

5. Hot Chocolate

A creamy hot chocolate complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the cookies.

6. Fruit Compote

A spoonful of apple or pear compote on the side adds a nice fruity contrast.

7. Eggnog (Seasonal)

Around the holidays, a small glass of eggnog makes a fun and festive pairing.

8. Herbal Tea

For a lighter option, pair with a soothing herbal tea like chamomile or rooibos.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them gently for a fresh-baked feel.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before glazing if desired.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per cookie (based on a batch of about 16 cookies):

• Calories: ~180
• Total Fat: ~9g
• Saturated Fat: ~6g
• Cholesterol: ~25mg
• Sodium: ~50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~24g
• Dietary Fiber: ~0.5g
• Sugars: ~14g
• Protein: ~2g

Note: Nutrition estimates will vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it well-wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to roll it out.

2. Can I freeze the unbaked cookies?

Absolutely. Assemble the cookies, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I use store-bought pie dough?

You can! The texture will be more flaky like a pop tart rather than soft like a cookie, but it’s still delicious.

4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Be sure to seal the edges well with a fork, and don’t overfill the centers. Also, remember to poke a couple of holes on top to release steam.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, using a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

6. How can I make these dairy-free?

Swap the butter with a plant-based butter, and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze. The results are still rich and tasty.

7. What’s the best way to glaze the cookies?

I like to drizzle the glaze with a spoon or spread it with a small offset spatula for an even layer. Let it set fully before stacking or storing.

8. Can I add other spices or flavors to the filling?

Of course! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

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Conclusion

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a nostalgic, sweet treat that brings the cozy flavors of a favorite childhood pastry into a tender, buttery cookie. I love how versatile and fun they are to make—perfect for an afternoon baking project, a holiday cookie swap, or just a little indulgence with your morning coffee. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a go-to in your baking rotation.

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