Name: Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk (for icing consistency); Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this one! The Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe is basically a cookie that’s got this nostalgic pop tart vibe – but so much better because it’s homemade, soft, and bursting with warm brown sugar and cinnamon flavor. I find these cookies perfect when I’m craving something sweet that also feels a bit special without hours in the kitchen. They’re great for an afternoon snack or even a casual dessert that’ll wow your friends without needing fancy ingredients or techniques.

What really makes this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe stand out is the soft, buttery dough combined with a gooey cinnamon and brown sugar filling – it’s like a little surprise every time you bite into them. Plus, the simple icing on top adds that perfect touch of sweetness and makes them feel festive and fun, especially when you add sprinkles. Honestly, I keep a batch of these around because they’re such a crowd-pleaser and come together faster than you’d expect.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of soft cookie dough and rich filling. I always recommend using fresh spices and soft butter for the best results, and it pays off big time.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends smoothly into the dough to create a tender, rich texture.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness that’s essential to the filling and dough.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s flavor and provides a slight crispness to the dough.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cookies rise just right.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, choosing the right flour keeps the cookies soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Baking powder and baking soda: These give the cookies a bit of lift and tenderness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
Cinnamon: Essential for that classic pop tart filling flavor, warm and comforting.
Milk: Used in both the filling and the icing to bring everything together smoothly.
Powdered sugar: For the icing that seals the deal on flavor and appearance.
Sprinkles (optional): Because sometimes a little colorful fun on top just makes everything better!

Variations

I love to play around with this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe, and you can easily customize it depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to switch things up to make the cookies your own — it’s part of the fun!

Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and the texture stays delightfully soft — just be careful with your baking time.
Spiced Filling: Sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for a holiday twist that everyone loves.
Nutty Surprise: Mixing chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling adds a nice crunch if you’re craving texture.
Fruit Jam Filling: Instead of the brown sugar-cinnamon mix, I’ve used raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity variation that’s super simple and tasty.
Vegan Adaptation: Using coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs works well if you want to avoid dairy or eggs.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is so important because it introduces air into the dough, giving your cookies that soft, tender texture. Make sure the butter’s not too cold — if it is, your dough won’t come together as well.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next up, mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. It’s crucial to beat well after each addition to ensure everything combines smoothly. If your eggs are cold, I usually let them come to room temperature first — it helps everything blend better.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This keeps the leavening agents evenly distributed, so your cookies rise perfectly every time. Then, slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to avoid flour clouds in your kitchen (been there, done that!).

Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, then stir in the milk until it forms a paste-like filling. This is the heart of your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe filling, and I love how the creaminess of milk melds with the sugar and spice to create that irresistible gooey center.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out one part between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick — this keeps things clean and prevents sticking. Spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly over this dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. Then, carefully place the second rolled-out dough on top. Press the edges together to seal, and trim the sides if you want neat rectangles that remind you of classic pop tarts. Slice into squares or rectangles, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay soft and tender. Once done, let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. I find this helps the filling set up nicely without oozing out too much.

Step 7: Add the Icing and Sprinkles

For the finish, whisk powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until it’s smooth but thick enough to spread. Drizzle or spread this icing over your cooled cookies, then sprinkle on your favorite colorful sprinkles if you’re feeling extra festive. I find that the icing hardens quickly but still melts in your mouth—a perfect sweet finish!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of a stack of two thick, soft cookies on a white marbled surface, with the top cookie split in half revealing a rich, dark cinnamon-sugar filling inside. The bottom cookie is whole and coated with a smooth, light brown glaze that has a creamy texture. Cookie crumbs are scattered around, adding texture and detail to the scene. The background shows a blurred glass of milk and a light brown container, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a drizzle of icing and a scatter of sprinkles because it adds that cheerful touch without overpowering the cinnamon filling. Sometimes, I toss on a pinch of flaky sea salt to elevate the sweetness and balance flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies go surprisingly well with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte — the bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly. I also enjoy them alongside a bowl of fresh berries when I want a bit of freshness with my sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to stack these cookies in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper for a cozy, inviting look. Around the holidays, arranging them with mini holiday-themed sprinkles or edible gold dust adds a festive flair that people always ask about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay soft and delicious for about 3 to 4 days—perfect for when you want a little sweet pick-me-up through the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing them un-iced first, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then add the icing fresh — that way, you keep the perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

I like to warm mine for about 10 seconds in the microwave to soften the filling before enjoying. If they’ve got icing on them, this helps bring out those warm cinnamon notes without melting the icing too much. Be careful not to overheat — otherwise, they can get a little tough.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar in this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe?

Brown sugar is key for the rich, molasses flavor that makes these cookies special, especially in the filling. However, you can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper taste, or mix in some coconut sugar if you want a slightly different caramel note. Just keep granulated sugar as is to balance the texture.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Sealing the edges well by pressing firmly and leaving a border around the filling is crucial. Chilling the assembled dough before baking also helps set the filling so it doesn’t ooze out. If you notice leaks, try patching small holes with extra dough before baking.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil and use plant-based milk for the filling and icing. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor is still fantastic.
Do I have to add sprinkles on top?

Nope! Sprinkles are totally optional and just for fun. The cookies taste amazing on their own with icing, so if you prefer a simpler look or don’t have sprinkles on hand, feel free to skip them.
How long do these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, they might dry out, but you can revive them slightly by warming before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my recipe book because it’s one of those desserts that feels homemade and comforting but also a little playful. Whether you’re making it for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies deliver a little moment of joy in every bite. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep the ingredients on hand for whenever that sweet craving hits — it’s just that easy and rewarding.