Description
These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of a classic toaster pastry into a soft, chewy cookie. Featuring a buttery dough, a warm cinnamon sugar filling, and a sweet cinnamon glaze, these cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, capturing the comforting taste of homemade pop tarts.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Set this filling mixture aside until ready to use.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature salted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), eggs, and whole milk, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: While the mixer runs on low, gradually add the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix just until the ingredients come together to form a soft dough; avoid overmixing to maintain tender cookies.
- Form Dough Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a large cookie scoop (around 3 tablespoons) to portion out dough balls. If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Assemble Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line another cookie sheet with parchment paper. Take one dough ball at a time and flatten it gently in your hand. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the prepared cinnamon filling into the center. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Roll the filled dough into a smooth round ball and place it on the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart (only 3-4 cookies per sheet to allow spreading).
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are set and just beginning to lightly brown. The cookies will remain pale and soft, so avoid waiting for a deep golden color to prevent overbaking.
- Reshape and Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven. While still warm, place a larger bowl or cookie cutter on top of each cookie and gently move it around to nudge the cookie back into a perfect circle. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing is smooth and spreadable.
- Ice and Serve: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread the cinnamon icing generously on top. Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tart cookies!
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for at least 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be lightly set and pale to keep them soft and chewy.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a subtle depth to the flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the dough balls before baking; thaw slightly before assembling and baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
