Print

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies combine the flaky, buttery goodness of a pop tart with the convenience and softness of a cookie. Filled with a cinnamon-spiced brown sugar center and topped with a smooth cinnamon icing, these treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert. The recipe features a tender cake flour cookie dough filled with a rich brown sugar filling, baked until golden and finished with a sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 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

Filling

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons cake flour

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  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 2 to 3 minutes until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, then beat for another 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until fully combined. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until incorporated, stopping occasionally to scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  3. Preheat oven and prepare sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  4. Make the filling: Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Using a heaping teaspoon (around 2 teaspoons), scoop out portions and roll them into balls. Place these balls onto a baking sheet and set aside.
  5. Form the cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Scoop 1/4 cup portions of dough (or use a large cookie scoop). For each, break the dough in half and create a well in one half. Place a ball of the filling inside this well and then press the other half of the dough on top, pinching the seams to seal the filling inside. Gently roll the stuffed dough into a ball to fully enclose the filling.
  6. Bake the cookies: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the cookie tops are just set and the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare and apply the icing: While the cookies cool, combine the powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted and cooled butter, and milk in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Place parchment paper underneath the cooling rack to catch drips. Spoon the icing over the top of each cookie, allowing it to spread naturally to the edges. Let the icing set for about 15 minutes before serving and enjoying.

Notes

  • Use cake flour for a tender and softer cookie texture, which mimics the delicate pastry of a pop tart.
  • Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth dough and proper mixing.
  • Chilling the dough for one hour helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
  • Seal the filling well inside the dough to avoid leakage during baking.
  • The cinnamon icing adds a delicious finishing touch, but cookies can be enjoyed without icing for a less sweet option.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.