Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the combination of brown sugar, buttery goodness, and sweet filling that immediately transports you back to childhood. Among my favorite homemade treats are the Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. They’re not just a cookie; they’re a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat, perfect for any time of the day. These cookies are an instant hit at family gatherings, playful brunches, or simply when you’re craving something sweet.
Why you’ll love this dish
Why make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies? For starters, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and sure to impress! With simple ingredients you likely have on hand, you can create a delectable treat that feels a bit extravagant yet remains budget-friendly. Kids adore them, making them an ideal option for playdates or school snacks. Plus, they can be customized with any filling you choose, adding a personal touch to each batch.
"These cookies are the perfect mix of sweetness and nostalgia! I filled mine with strawberry jam, and my kids couldn’t get enough!" – Satisfied Baker
How this recipe comes together
Making these cookies is a fun and straightforward process that blends the joy of baking with the aroma of warm spices. It’s a delightful mix of creaming, mixing, and rolling out dough. You start by combining the wet ingredients and then add in the dry components to create a soft and pliable dough. From there, it gets even more exciting as you form the cookies, fill them with your preferred treats, and bake until golden brown.
What you’ll need
To create these delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Frosting (for topping)
- Filling of your choice (e.g., jam, frosting, or a sweet cream filling)
Feel free to switch out the frosting or filling based on your tastes or dietary needs.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until the mixture is fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using your thumb, press a well into the center of each cookie ball to create space for the filling.
- Fill each well with your desired filling.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting with your favorite topping. Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for later!
Best ways to enjoy it
These cookies shine on their own, but why not elevate them further? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae twist, or pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts on top or serve with a side of fresh fruit.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing and then layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming texture.
- Don’t rush the dough mixing; combine until it’s just blended to avoid dense cookies.
- Consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes for a firmer texture that’s easier to work with.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try filling your cookies with blueberry jam, Nutella, or a spiced pumpkin filling for fall festivities. You can also experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for extra flavor and texture. Transform these cookies into a seasonal delight by using peppermint frosting during the holidays!
Your questions answered
- What’s the prep time? The total time from start to finish, including baking, is about 30-40 minutes.
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitution.
- How do I reheat these cookies? To maintain their soft texture, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at low heat for a few minutes.
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies aren’t just treats; they’re an experience packed with flavor and nostalgia. I can’t wait to see your versions—happy baking!

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- as needed frosting (for topping) Use any preferred frosting.
- as needed filling of your choice (e.g., jam, frosting, or a sweet cream filling) Customize as per taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until the mixture is fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using your thumb, press a well into the center of each cookie ball to create space for the filling.
- Fill each well with your desired filling.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting with your favorite topping.