Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

 

Ever wished you could relive those childhood mornings filled with the sweet aroma of Pop-Tarts? Now you can, but even better! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies capture all that nostalgic flavor in a soft, chewy cookie form. Prepare to amaze your friends and family with this simple yet delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These cookies are more than just a sweet treat. They are also:

• Effortless Baking: Ready in under an hour!
• Homemade Goodness: Skip the store-bought stuff and bake from scratch.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Everyone loves the taste of brown sugar.
• Customizable: Get creative with shapes and sprinkles.
• Memory-Making: Perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Irresistible Aroma: Your kitchen will smell heavenly.
• Perfectly Portable: Great for lunchboxes or picnics.
• Beginner-Friendly: An easy recipe for new bakers.

These cookies are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma and create lasting memories with every bite.

Ingredients Needed for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible cookies. Don’t worry, they’re mostly pantry staples!

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g) – Ensure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g) – Adds a rich, molasses-like flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g) – Provides sweetness and structure.
• 1 large egg (50g) – Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml) – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g) – The base of the cookie dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2.5ml) – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25ml) – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g) – Essential for a creamy filling.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g) – Creates a sweet and gooey center.
• 2 tablespoons milk (30ml) – Adds moisture and helps bind the filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml) – Complements the brown sugar flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25ml) – Balances the sweetness of the filling.

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g) – Creates a smooth and sweet frosting.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (30-45ml) – Adjust to reach desired consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml) – Adds a touch of flavor to the frosting.
• Sprinkles (optional) – For a festive touch!

Selection Tip: For the best flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract. It makes a big difference! You can find it at most grocery stores or specialty baking shops.

Essential Equipment List

• • Mixing Bowls: For creaming and mixing ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier.

this …

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements.
• Plastic Wrap: For chilling the dough.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the cookie dough evenly.
• Cookie Cutters or Knife: To create your desired cookie shapes.
• Baking Sheets: To bake the cookies on.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.

Alternative: Don’t have a rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works in a pinch!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
• Servings: Approximately 20 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Scale up for a larger batch, perfect for parties! These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Follow these instructions to bake your homemade Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies:

Make the Cookies:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Ensure there are no streaks of egg yolk.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out desired shapes (rectangles or circles).
8. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
10. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking.

Make the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
2. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until well combined.

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Spread a thin layer of the filling onto half of the cooled cookies.
2. Top with the remaining cookies to create a sandwich.

Make the Frosting:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
2. Frost the assembled cookies with the prepared frosting. Immediately sprinkle with sprinkles, if desired.
3. Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For a softer cookie, don’t overbake. The edges should be just lightly golden.

Tips for Success with Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Here are some tips to help you achieve baking perfection:

• • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
  • Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  • Use Softened Butter: Softened butter creams more easily, resulting in a smoother dough and filling.
  • Even Rolling: Roll the dough evenly for consistent baking.
  • Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Variations & Substitutions for a Twist

Want to make these cookies your own? Try these variations:

• Different Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Chocolate Chip: Mix chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy note.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Milk: Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
• Coffee: Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Ice Cream: Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Gifting: Package in a decorative box for a homemade gift.

These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive celebration.

Health Benefits of Homemade Cookies

While these cookies are a treat, they offer some benefits:

• Homemade: You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives.
• Energy Boost: Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and sugars.
• Mood Booster: A sweet treat can lift your spirits!

Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storage & Reheating Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Here’s how to store and reheat your cookies for maximum freshness:

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Not necessary, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze un-frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Cool the cookies completely before storing to maintain their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough bowl for mixing, and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, but it will alter the flavor. Granulated sugar can be used in place of brown sugar, but the cookies will lack the rich molasses flavor.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving.

What can I use instead of vanilla extract?

Almond extract or maple extract can be used as substitutes for vanilla extract. Use sparingly, as they have stronger flavors.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g

Please note that these values are estimates. Exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more sweet treats? Check out these other irresistible recipes:

• Apple Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat – A cozy and delicious bread, perfect for autumn days.
• Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe for Cozy Days – Combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cookies for ultimate comfort.
• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Roll-Ups – Transform French toast into fun, bite-sized snacks.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a fast, flavorful, and fun treat that will bring joy to any occasion. Whip them up tonight and experience the delightful nostalgia of Pop-Tarts in a cookie!

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Print