Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that perfectly captures the sweet, toasty essence of your childhood breakfast favorites, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies absolutely deliver. Imagine an irresistibly soft and chewy cookie, brimming with the cozy flavor of cinnamon, brown sugar, and bits of actual Pop-Tart inside—then finished with a drizzle of cinnamon icing for the ultimate bite. Each nibble is like a warm hug, bringing back memories of rushing out the door with a Pop-Tart in hand, now reimagined as a shareable, crowd-pleasing dessert. These are a must-bake whenever you want to surprise friends, spark conversation, or simply treat yourself to something a little whimsical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies is that you don’t need any hard-to-find specialty ingredients—just a lineup of kitchen staples that each play a central role in making these cookies decadent, soft, and nostalgic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and delicious flavor base.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and the signature warmth of molasses to every bite.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Combines with the brown sugar to create the perfect sweetness and balanced texture.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to that luscious, chewy structure.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Elevates all the flavors and brings a subtle, aromatic depth.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 3/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and a soft but sturdy bite.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up just right while they bake.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Lends that unmistakable cozy warmth, totally essential for that Pop-Tart experience.
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts (3, chopped): The star ingredient! Adds texture and that nostalgic, sweet cinnamon filling.
- White Chocolate Chips or Cinnamon Chips (1/2 cup, optional): Offer little creamy surprises or extra cinnamon bursts, depending on your mood.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): For the icing—makes it glossy and sweet.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Thins out the icing just enough for an elegant drizzle.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of spice right in the glaze.
- Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the icing with aromatic goodness.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this guarantees easy cookie release and keeps cleanup quick. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and chop your Pop-Tarts into bite-sized pieces so they’re ready to fold into the dough later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for at least 2-3 minutes, until everything is light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined. That air you whip in is crucial for soft cookies!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and blend until the mixture is completely smooth and a bit creamy. This step builds structure and adds that irresistible bakery-style aroma.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking these together helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly throughout your dough so every cookie bakes up just right.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stopping as soon as you see no more streaks of flour keeps your cookies tender. Next, gently fold in the chopped Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts and chips if you’re using them—each dough ball should have plenty of Pop-Tart goodness scattered throughout.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a heaping tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving two inches between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Step 7: Cool and Ice
Let the cookies cool on the pans for at least five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. While they cool completely, whisk together all the icing ingredients—powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla—until smooth. Drizzle the icing generously over each cookie, then give them a few extra minutes to set before serving or storing.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Garnishes
To really highlight the playful, bakery-style personality of these cookies, consider a final dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of extra chopped Pop-Tart bits on top of the icing. For a polished touch, you might even add a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cozy mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert that’s absolute comfort food bliss. They’re also perfect alongside fresh fruit or a rich, chocolatey hot cocoa, balancing out the sweetness with a refreshing or creamy component.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies into a fun bakery box lined with wax paper for a fantastic gift, or plate them as the star of a retro-themed dessert platter. Stack a few and wrap them in parchment and twine for lunchbox surprises, or tuck them into a brunch spread for a playful nod to your favorite toaster pastry days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to four days. To prevent the icing from getting sticky, make sure the cookies have cooled and set completely before stacking them, layering parchment between as needed.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, both with or without the icing. If you plan to freeze them iced, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet first until frozen, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They’ll maintain their texture and flavor for up to two months in the freezer—just defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Bring frozen cookies back to chewy, freshly-baked glory by letting them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For just-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The icing will soften slightly, recreating that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use any Pop-Tart flavor for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?
Absolutely! While the brown sugar cinnamon variety gives you that classic, nostalgic taste, feel free to experiment with fruit-filled Pop-Tarts or even limited edition flavors. Each will bring its own unique pop of sweetness and color to the cookies.
Should I use white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips?
It’s entirely up to your mood or what you have on hand. White chocolate chips add creamy, melty pockets and a hint of vanilla, while cinnamon chips bump up the spicy warmth. You can even mix both for the best of both worlds!
How do I get picture-perfect drizzled icing?
Make sure your cookies are fully cooled before icing. Use a small spoon or a piping bag with a thin tip to create neat, even zig-zags. For a more rustic look, just drizzle with a fork and let the icing fall where it may—either way, they’ll look and taste amazing.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it soften slightly, then scoop and bake as directed. Chilling the dough can even enhance the flavor and prevent too much spreading.
Are these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies good for parties or gifts?
Without a doubt! They hold up well in transport, have major visual appeal (especially with that pretty drizzle), and are a guaranteed conversation starter. Package them in cellophane bags or cute tins for a thoughtful bake sale or holiday gift.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the next bake that will have everyone asking for the recipe, you just can’t go wrong with Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and every bite brings out a touch of nostalgia with a big dose of buttery, cinnamon-kissed comfort. Seriously, you need to try these—they might just become your new go-to cookie for every occasion.
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Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts with a soft and chewy cookie. Topped with a sweet icing, these cookies make for a perfect snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 chopped brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips (optional)
Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in Pop-Tarts and chips.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack.
- Prepare icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Allow cookies to cool completely before icing.
- Experiment with different Pop-Tart flavors for unique cookie variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
