Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies

Brown sugar pop tarts bring back cozy memories for many people. They’re sweet, warm, and filled with cinnamon goodness. Now imagine that classic flavor baked into a soft, chewy cookie. That’s what you get with brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tart cookies. A nostalgic treat made new.

These cookies are buttery with a soft middle and a light crisp edge. Inside, there’s a sweet cinnamon sugar filling. A drizzle of vanilla glaze on top ties everything together. They’re easy to make and fun to share. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a party, or just for yourself, these cookies always bring smiles.

What Are Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Cookies?

These cookies are inspired by the classic toaster pastry. Instead of pastry dough, you use soft cookie dough made with brown sugar and vanilla. Inside each cookie, there’s a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling. After baking, a thin vanilla glaze goes on top to give that classic pop tart finish.

What makes them special is the way they combine two things people love: cookies and pop tarts. You get the chewy bite of a cookie, but with the cinnamon flavor and glazed top that remind you of childhood mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to bake a batch of these cookies at home. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

These cookies are made in three simple steps. You make the dough, fill the cookies, and finish them with a glaze. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter with the brown and white sugars. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a soft, chewy texture in your cookies.

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients a little at a time, mixing until just combined.

Once your dough is ready, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter. The mixture should be thick and grainy. This is your brown sugar filling.

Step 3: Fill and Shape the Cookies

Scoop about two tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon filling in the center. Then take another tablespoon of dough, flatten it, and place it on top. Press the edges together to seal the filling inside.

Roll gently into a ball and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave space between cookies, as they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the tops are set. Don’t wait for them to turn too brown; they should still look soft in the middle.

Let them rest on the tray for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool.

Step 5: Glaze

Once the cookies have cooled, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not runny. Drizzle it over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag.

Allow the glaze to set for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Why These Cookies Are So Good

There’s something comforting about cinnamon and brown sugar together. These cookies taste just like the pop tarts many of us grew up eating but even better because they’re homemade and fresh.

The dough is soft and flavorful, while the filling adds a burst of sweetness in every bite. The glaze on top gives a light crunch that balances everything out.

They’re not just tasty; they’re also easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a mixing bowl, some measuring cups, and a baking sheet.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Want your cookies to turn out great every time? Try these tips:

• Chill the dough. This keeps the cookies thick and helps the filling stay inside.
• Seal the edges well. This keeps the brown sugar filling from leaking during baking.
• Don’t overbake. Cookies should still look soft in the middle when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Use fresh spices. Cinnamon loses flavor over time. If yours smells weak, grab a new jar.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can try different twists. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add chopped toasted pecans to the dough for crunch.
• Swap the brown sugar filling for fruit jam to mimic other pop tart flavors.
• Use maple extract in the glaze for a cozy fall version.
• Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze for extra flavor.

These small changes let you make the recipe your own.

How to Store and Freeze

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy, even after a day or two.

To freeze the dough, fill and shape the cookies, then place them on a tray in the freezer until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you want fresh cookies, bake from frozen; just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Baked cookies can also be frozen. Let them cool fully, then store in layers with parchment paper between them.

FAQs About Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but skip the added salt in the recipe.

Q: Why did my filling leak out?
The dough might not have been sealed well. Next time, press the edges together firmly.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making glaze?
You can, but homemade glaze gives a lighter finish and is easy to make.

Q: Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes. Just use less dough and filling. Reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes.

Q: Are these cookies good for gift boxes or bake sales?
Absolutely. They hold their shape well and taste great even after a day or two.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you grew up eating brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts, these cookies will bring you right back. They’re soft, flavorful, and just sweet enough. Each bite has layers: a chewy cookie, a warm cinnamon center, and a sweet glaze on top.

Even if you’ve never baked much, this recipe is simple to follow. You don’t need any special tools, and the ingredients are easy to find. Plus, the steps are clear and manageable.

This recipe also offers a chance to get creative. Change the filling, tweak the glaze, or add a topping. Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can make them your own.

Final Thoughts

Brown sugar pop tart cookies are more than just a treat. They’re a fun way to turn a nostalgic breakfast into a cozy shareable dessert. With their soft texture, rich filling, and sweet glaze, they’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So grab a mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and get baking. You’ll end up with cookies that feel like comfort food and taste like something special, whether it’s for a party, a gift, or just because you want something sweet.