Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Simple Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Sweet nostalgia meets delectable baking with these frosted brown sugar cinnamon pop tart cookies that capture childhood memories in every bite.

Inspired by the classic breakfast treat, these cookies blend familiar flavors into an irresistible dessert.

Warm cinnamon and rich brown sugar create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Each cookie offers a perfect balance of soft texture and crisp edges, mimicking the beloved pop tart flaky crust.

The homemade frosting adds a delightful sweetness that transforms an ordinary cookie into something extraordinary.

These cookies promise to become a new family favorite, evoking memories of leisurely weekend mornings.

Your taste buds will dance with delight as you savor every delicious crumb.

Perfect Pairings for Pop Tart Cookies

  • Savor Sweet Beverage Companions: Cold milk perfectly complements these nostalgic cookies, creating a classic childhood flavor combination that feels like pure comfort.
  • Brew Rich Coffee Pairing: Espresso or dark roast coffee provides a robust contrast to the sweet cinnamon cookies, enhancing the dessert's warm spice notes and bringing out deeper flavor dimensions.
  • Match Creamy Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti offers a delicate, light sweetness that harmonizes with the cookie's brown sugar and cinnamon profile without overwhelming the delicate pastry texture.
  • Indulge Spiced Tea Option: Chai tea with its warming spices creates a beautiful flavor echo, matching the cinnamon undertones and providing a cozy, aromatic drinking experience that elevates the cookie's taste.

Alternate Versions of Pop Tart Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Pop Tart Cookies: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Friendly Adaptation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter alternatives, and select dairy-free milk for creating a completely vegan version of these nostalgic cookies.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the signature cinnamon flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut oil instead of butter, select almond or oat milk for liquid components, and create dairy-free icing using powdered sugar and plant-based milk alternatives.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make these cookies unique?

The brown sugar, cinnamon filling, and cake flour create a Pop Tart-inspired cookie with a soft, tender texture and deep caramel-like flavor profile.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just remember to chill the dough before shaping and baking.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll need an electric mixer, measuring cups, baking sheet, parchment paper, and basic baking tools. A cookie scoop can be helpful but isn’t mandatory.

  • How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for light golden brown edges and a set center. The cookies should look slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

  • These cookies capture the beloved Pop Tart flavor, transforming childhood breakfast memories into a delightful dessert that sparks joy and reminiscence.
  • The recipe teaches advanced baking skills like creating filled cookies, chilling dough, and crafting homemade icing, elevating your culinary expertise with each delicious batch.
  • Easily adapt the filling and icing to match personal preferences, making these cookies a versatile treat for different taste buds and baking creativity.
  • Despite looking complex, the recipe breaks down into simple steps that anyone can follow, ensuring impressive results without overwhelming technical challenges.

What’s in Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Cookies Dough Ingredients:
  • Cake Flour: A soft, fine flour that creates a tender and delicate cookie texture.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure and browning.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and rich filling with a deep caramel note.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that is characteristic of Pop Tart cookies.
  • Butter: Provides a creamy base for the filling and adds richness.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Combine to create a smooth, sweet icing.
  • Corn Syrup: Helps create a glossy, smooth icing that sets nicely.
  • Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the icing for the perfect drizzle.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the icing flavor.
Binding and Leavening Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Work together to create the perfect cookie texture and rise.

Steps to Make Pop Tart Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Butter and Sugars

Grab softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy base.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Components

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and stir until everything combines into a silky, uniform batter with a delightful aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Cake flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture in 4-5 increments.

Stir carefully until a cohesive dough forms, maintaining a smooth and pliable texture.

Step 5: Refrigerate Dough

Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.

This resting period prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 6: Create Filling

In a medium bowl, mix:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla
  • Flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Base

Scoop dough using 1/4 cup measurement.

Divide each scoop in half, creating a small nest with one half and preparing to fill it.

Step 8: Seal Filling

Flatten the second dough half and place over filling.

Pinch edges together to create a sealed cookie package.

Step 9: Freeze Cookies

Arrange shaped cookies on baking sheet or plate.

Freeze for 15-30 minutes to maintain structure during baking.

Step 10: Prepare Oven

Preheat oven to 375F (190C).

Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Place chilled cookies on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.

Bake for 14 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.

Step 12: Cool Completely

Allow cookies to cool entirely on baking sheet, helping them firm up and prevent crumbling.

Step 13: Craft Icing

Whisk together in small bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Milk
  • Corn syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon

Adjust milk for desired drizzling consistency.

Step 14: Finish and Serve

Drizzle icing over cooled cookies.

Let icing set before serving.

Enjoy your delectable Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies!

Tips for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

  • Leave butter out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, fluffy texture without overheating.
  • Chilling the dough twice (after mixing and before baking) helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
  • Use a light touch when filling cookie dough to avoid overstuffing, which can cause leaks during baking.
  • Use a cookie scoop or kitchen scale to ensure consistent cookie sizes for even baking and professional-looking results.
  • Adjust milk quantity gradually when making icing to achieve the perfect drizzling texture – start with small amounts and add more as needed.

Storing Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

  • Transfer completely cooled cookies to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and taste when you're ready to enjoy them later.
  • Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent them from becoming stale or losing their soft texture.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This restores their just-baked warmth and revives the delightful cinnamon aroma.
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Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet memories collide with classic frosted brown sugar cinnamon pop tart cookies, delivering nostalgic comfort in every delightful bite. Crumbly pastry and warm spices meld together, inviting you to savor childhood flavors reimagined as an irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups cake flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt

Frosting:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened butter with granulated and light brown sugars. Utilize an electric mixer to whip the ingredients until achieving a fluffy, cloud-like texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each before adding vanilla extract. Mix until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Separately, sift together cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure even distribution of dry ingredients through gentle whisking.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, incorporating in 4-5 incremental stages. Stir until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Encase dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  6. Prepare filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Incorporate flour, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until uniform.
  7. Portion chilled dough using a 1/4 cup measure. Divide each portion, creating a hollow in one half and filling with cinnamon mixture.
  8. Cover filled base with remaining dough half, carefully sealing edges to contain filling completely.
  9. Freeze shaped cookies for 15-30 minutes to stabilize structure and maintain shape during baking.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release.
  11. Arrange chilled cookies on prepared sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 14 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.
  12. Allow cookies to cool entirely on baking sheet, enabling them to firm and set properly.
  13. Craft icing by whisking powdered sugar, dark brown sugar, milk, corn syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed.
  14. Drizzle icing over completely cooled cookies, permitting it to set before serving. Savor the delectable Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining cookie shape and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
  • Use a precise tablespoon measurement to ensure consistent filling in each cookie, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Adjust cornstarch quantity to control cookie softness – more cornstarch results in a softer, more tender cookie texture.
  • Easily convert to gluten-free by substituting cake flour with a gluten-free blend, maintaining the original recipe’s delicate structure.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 247
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 87 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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