Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a nostalgic twist on a classic treat, combining the buttery, flaky flavors of brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie.
These indulgent cookies are packed with cinnamon-spiced brown sugar filling, bits of Pop-Tart, and often topped with a sweet glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing with friends, they offer a comforting, bakery-style experience with every bite. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a playful and delicious tribute to a beloved breakfast favorite.
If you grew up loving the warm, cinnamon-y sweetness of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts, then you’re in for a nostalgic treat. Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies take everything you love about the classic toaster pastry—flaky crust, sweet brown sugar filling, and a sugary glaze—and pack it into a soft, chewy cookie.
This recipe is the ultimate hybrid dessert: part cookie, part Pop-Tart, and 100% delicious. Perfect for dessert trays, lunchbox surprises, or a unique bake sale item, these cookies are filled with rich brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with a glaze, and best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk.
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
Description
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a nostalgic and indulgent treat that combines the flavor of the classic toaster pastry with soft, chewy cookie bliss.
These cookies feature a brown sugar and cinnamon-infused dough, often with chopped Pop-Tarts mixed in or used as a filling. Baked until golden and finished with a sweet glaze drizzle, they deliver a warm, comforting bite in every mouthful.
Perfect for dessert tables or cozy snacks, they blend childhood favorites with homemade charm.
Whether served warm or at room temperature, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
For the Glaze:
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set this mixture aside; it will go in the center of each cookie to mimic the Pop-Tart’s signature filling.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the crushed Pop-Tarts, if using, for added texture and flavor.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading during baking.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough (a medium cookie scoop works well), flatten slightly in your hand, and place about ½ to 1 teaspoon of the prepared brown sugar filling in the center.
Take another small piece of dough (about 1 tablespoon), flatten it, and cover the filling, sealing the edges to enclose it completely.
Gently roll the cookie into a ball and place on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Don’t overbake; you want them to stay soft and chewy.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk (to thin) or powdered sugar (to thicken).
The glaze should be pourable but not runny. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Sugars 26g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies combine two comforting favorites: soft, chewy cookies and the nostalgic flavor of brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts.
These cookies typically feature a buttery dough filled with brown sugar-cinnamon paste and sometimes even pieces of actual Pop-Tarts.
Topped with icing that mimics the toaster pastry glaze, they’re warm, indulgent, and a total crowd-pleaser. To make yours absolutely irresistible, follow these expert tips and serving tricks:
1. Use Real Pop-Tarts – But Don't Overdo It
If your recipe includes chopped-up Pop-Tarts inside the dough, cut them into small chunks (¼–½ inch). Use sparingly — around 1 or 2 tarts per batch — to keep texture balanced. Overloading can make the cookies soggy or overly sweet. Toasting the Pop-Tarts before chopping them gives added crunch and intensifies the caramelized flavor.
2. Chill Your Dough
Like many cookie recipes, chilling your dough (for at least 1 hour or even overnight) helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This is especially important if you’ve added soft fillings like brown sugar paste or Pop-Tart pieces. Chilled dough leads to a chewier, thicker cookie and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.
3. Don’t Skip the Filling
A major part of the flavor comes from the brown sugar-cinnamon filling. Make sure it’s well mixed (typically brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter or a little cream cheese for richness). If adding a layer of filling inside each cookie, scoop a ball of dough, press a dent into the middle, add a small amount of filling, then cover with another small piece of dough and seal the edges.
4. Spice It Just Right
A good cinnamon-to-brown sugar ratio is key. Overusing cinnamon can overpower the cookie, while too little makes it bland. For a balanced flavor, 1½ to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon per cup of brown sugar is ideal. Add a pinch of nutmeg or even cardamom for a subtle twist.
5. Bake Until Just Golden
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for around 10–12 minutes. Remove them when the edges are slightly golden but the centers still look a bit underbaked — they’ll finish setting as they cool on the tray. Overbaking leads to dry, cakey cookies that lose their gooey charm.
6. Add a Glaze (and Let It Set)
Replicate the classic Pop-Tart icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle or pipe it over cooled cookies, then allow it to fully set before serving. For a glossy bakery-style finish, use a thicker glaze and apply with a spoon or piping bag for neatness.
7. Make It Mini for Parties
For party trays or dessert boards, make smaller, 2-bite cookies using a cookie scoop. They’re easier to serve and eat, especially when paired with tea or coffee. Just reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes to avoid overbaking smaller portions.
8. Serve Warm for Maximum Comfort
These cookies are fantastic at room temperature, but they’re magical when warm. To reheat, microwave each cookie for 10–15 seconds, or pop a tray into a warm oven (275°F) for about 5 minutes. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
9. Storage and Freezing Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (or the raw dough balls) for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temp or bake straight from frozen with 2–3 extra minutes of bake time.
10. Fun Serving Twist: Make a Cookie Sandwich
Spread a thin layer of cinnamon cream cheese or frosting between two cookies to create a cookie sandwich. It adds extra flavor and turns your treat into a bakery-style indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: This prevents the cookies from overspreading in the oven and helps keep the filling in place.
- Customize it: Feel free to swap in other flavors of Pop-Tarts or mix in a touch of nutmeg for more warmth.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months and glaze them after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with a warm mug of chai tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort snack. They also make great lunchbox treats, party desserts, or cozy winter afternoon bakes.
With these tips and tricks, your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies will not only be delicious but memorable. Whether for a bake sale, brunch, or cozy evening treat, they’ll hit that perfect sweet spot every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are soft, chewy cookies inspired by the classic brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts.
They typically feature a brown sugar and cinnamon filling, often with a hint of vanilla or maple, tucked inside a buttery cookie dough.
Some versions even include pieces of actual Pop-Tarts or are topped with a glaze that mimics the toaster pastry’s icing.
Do I need real Pop-Tarts for this recipe?
Not necessarily! While some recipes use chopped Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts in the dough or as a topping, many versions recreate the flavor using brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla extract. If you don’t have Pop-Tarts on hand, you can still make delicious cookies with similar taste and texture.
Can I freeze Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. You can freeze the dough (scooped or rolled) for up to 2 months or freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let the cookies come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh-baked texture.
How should I store these cookies and how long will they stay fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If glazed, allow the icing to fully set before stacking or storing to avoid sticking. Keeping them in a cool, dry place ensures they maintain their soft and chewy texture.
