Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Buttery Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooth Fans

Sweet memories of childhood breakfasts collide with brown sugar pop tart cookies that promise a nostalgic twist on classic treats.

Crispy edges mingle with gooey centers in this delightful dessert.

Homemade comfort calls with every delectable bite.

Bakers seeking a playful recipe will adore these simple yet irresistible morsels.

Sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon, these cookies capture the essence of morning indulgence.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a perfect weekend baking adventure.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of these magical cookies that blend childhood favorite and grown-up sophistication.

Tips for Getting That Signature Pop Tart Texture

  • Crumble Strategically: Break Pop-Tarts into small, consistent pieces to ensure even flavor and texture throughout the cookie dough.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a soft, tender cookie texture and avoid tough results.
  • Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better incorporation of ingredients, leading to more uniform cookies.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create a more concentrated flavor profile.
  • Customize Creatively: Experiment with different Pop-Tart flavors like strawberry or s'mores to add unique twists to your cookie batch.

How to Keep Pop Tart Cookies Fresh and Soft

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their soft texture.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, preserving them for 2-3 months.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their original softness and warmth.

Fun Pairings for Brown Sugar Cookies

  • Warm, creamy chai latte perfectly complements the rich, caramelized notes of these brown sugar Pop-Tart cookies.
  • Cold milk creates a classic, nostalgic pairing that balances the cookie's sweetness and adds a refreshing contrast.
  • Moscato d'Asti's light, effervescent sweetness mirrors the cookie's sugary profile while providing a sophisticated adult twist.
  • Hazelnut or caramel-infused coffee intensifies the cookie's warm brown sugar and cinnamon undertones, creating a delightful sensory experience.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free Pop-Tarts for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Comfort: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select vegan Pop-Tart flavors to create a plant-based cookie.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute brown and granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and choose low-sugar Pop-Tart varieties for a healthier treat.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free butter substitute like Earth Balance or coconut oil, and ensure chosen Pop-Tarts are milk-free for individuals with lactose intolerance.
  • What are Pop-Tarts?

Pop-Tarts are pre-packaged toaster pastries with various sweet flavors, originally created by Kellogg’s in 1964, featuring a pastry crust filled with fruit or sweet fillings.

  • Can I use different flavors of Pop-Tarts?

Absolutely! Experiment with brown sugar, strawberry, s’mores, or chocolate flavors to create unique cookie variations that suit your taste preferences.

  • Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No refrigeration is required. You can mix the ingredients and immediately bake the cookies, making this recipe quick and convenient for spontaneous baking.

  • How do I crush the Pop-Tarts for the recipe?

Use a food processor for fine crumbs or place Pop-Tarts in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin for a more rustic texture.

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies: The Sweetest Throwback

  • Perfect for busy bakers who want a quick, delightful treat that takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
  • Family-friendly recipe that transforms nostalgic Pop-Tarts into irresistible cookies, appealing to both kids and adults with its playful twist.
  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, requiring just basic mixing and folding techniques.
  • Excellent for casual gatherings, after-school snacks, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings with minimal preparation time and maximum enjoyment.

What’s Inside Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and enhances overall flavor of the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create soft, chewy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Contributes to cookie's sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
Flour Mixture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and body to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and achieve a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements brown sugar notes.
Additional Mix-Ins:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic bakery-style flavor.
  • Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts: Introduces unexpected crunch and additional sweet-bakery flavor, best when slightly crushed for even distribution.

Baking Instructions for Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab your mixing bowls and baking tools.

Step 2: Cream Sugary Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a light and fluffy mixture that looks cloud-like and creamy.

Step 3: Add Moisture Makers

Blend in:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix these wet ingredients until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly mixed with no lumps.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamy sugar base. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Pop Tart Surprise

Gently fold crushed Pop-Tarts into the cookie dough. Break them into small, uneven pieces for delightful texture.

Step 7: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from oven. Let them rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

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Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet brown sugar pop tart cookies blend nostalgic childhood memories with classic bakery charm. Crisp pastry edges and warm cinnamon notes invite home bakers to create delightful treats that spark joy and comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts, crushed into small pieces

Sugars and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Binding Agents:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare your baking workspace by setting the oven temperature to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency with no visible sugar granules.
  3. Introduce a single egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, stirring until the liquid ingredients integrate smoothly and create a uniform texture.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, whisking the dry components to eliminate potential clumping and ensure even seasoning.
  5. Merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, carefully folding and stirring until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing which could compromise cookie texture.
  6. Gently crush brown sugar Pop-Tarts into delicate fragments, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough to create delightful textural surprises in each bite.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
  8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
  9. Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.

Notes

  • Crush Pop-Tarts gently to maintain some texture and prevent turning into complete crumbs for interesting cookie bite.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, more structured cookies.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free Pop-Tarts for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie development during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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