Quick Answer
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are sweet, nostalgic treats filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, perfect for the holiday season.As the crisp autumn air of New York City sets in, I can't help but reminisce about the treats of my childhood. This season, with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, I often find myself seeking comfort in nostalgic sweets. That's why I decided to bring a bit of that childhood magic into my kitchen with these delightful Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. The warm, sweet aroma wafting through my apartment instantly transports me back to simpler times, and trust me, these cookies are an absolute treat to whip up.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Experience the nostalgic flavors of your childhood with every delicious bite.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
- The sweet aroma of baking cookies will fill your home, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Customizable with various fillings, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen.
- These cookies are perfect for sharing, spreading joy and sweetness to your loved ones.
Ingredients
To make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, you'll need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for garnish (optional)
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies (Step-by-Step)
These delightful cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, allowing the scent of the flour to fill the air. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy-about 3-5 minutes. The nutty aroma of the brown sugar caramelizing is heavenly. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. As you mix, the dough will start to take shape, becoming slightly sticky but manageable. I prefer to use my trusty stand mixer for this step, which creates a perfect consistency without much effort.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for the filling. The sweetness of the brown sugar paired with the warmth of the cinnamon makes for a fragrant, irresistible filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the cookie dough into small balls-about 1 tablespoon each-and flatten them into discs. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture onto the center of half the discs. Place another disc on top, sealing the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers, making sure there are no air pockets, as they can cause the cookies to burst.
Step 5: Bake
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. You'll know they're ready when you see them puffing slightly, and there's a divine smell filling your kitchen. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. The icing should be pourable, but not too runny. Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies and, if desired, top with colorful sprinkles for extra cheer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Under-mixing the Dough: Ensure you fully mix the wet and dry ingredients to avoid a grainy texture.
- Overfilling the Cookies: Adding too much brown sugar filling can lead to overflow during baking, resulting in a messy cookie.
- Not Letting Them Cool: Let the cookies cool completely before icing to maintain the icing's lovely sheen.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For added depth of flavor, you can brown the butter before adding it to the sugar mixture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as fruit jams or chocolate chips.
Variations
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Add nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Incorporate a layer of Nutella or peanut butter for a rich twist.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Arrange on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or family events.
- Drizzle extra icing on top for a visually appealing presentation.
- Pair with ice cream for a delicious dessert á la mode.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Store your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Reheating: Reheat cookies in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature to warm them up.
- Freezing: Freeze the uncooked dough or the finished cookies, layered between sheets of parchment paper, for longer storage.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
In testing these cookies, I realized that the joy of baking truly comes from the comforting aromas that fill your kitchen. Each bite of these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies embodies the warmth and sweetness of the holiday season, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 cookies · Serving Size: 1 cookie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 1g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. The dough will become slightly sticky but manageable.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and pinch of salt for the filling.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, flatten into discs, spoon the filling onto half the discs, place another disc on top, sealing the edges.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or spread icing over cooled cookies and garnish with sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but it may change the flavor and texture slightly. Brown sugar adds moisture and a richer taste.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and they start to puff slightly. The divine aroma will also fill your kitchen!
3. How should I store the leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper in between layers.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just thaw it before baking as needed.
5. What can I substitute for cornstarch in the filling?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the texture of the filling.