Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies – A Sweet Nostalgic Treat

There’s something undeniably comforting about cookies that remind us of our childhood. The combination of sweet flavors and a warm, chewy texture often brings back fond memories. The Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies are not just another dessert; they are a delightful homage to the pop tarts of our youth, encapsulating the essence of nostalgia in every bite. These cookies are fun to make, gorgeous on the plate, and incredibly delicious, allowing you to relive those carefree days of snacking.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies is a wonderful way to enjoy a treat that is both sweet and satisfying. This recipe brilliantly combines the rich taste of brown sugar with a delightful filling, reminiscent of the classic pop tarts we all loved as kids. Each cookie is filled with a sweet, gooey center and topped with a light icing, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. They are ideal for family gatherings, lunchboxes, or even as a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups cake flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cake flour

Icing Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Begin by adding the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer or a hand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until everything is combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. After combining, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about one hour.

3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

4. In another medium bowl, prepare the filling by combining the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour. Stir until smooth and set aside.

5. After chilling the dough, scoop it using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop. Break the dough into half and create a well in the center of one half. Place one ball of the filling inside the well, then press the other half of dough on top. Pinch the seams carefully to seal the filling within, and roll them into a ball.

6. Place the assembled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the tops are set and the edges are lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together all the icing ingredients until smooth. Place a piece of parchment paper under the cooling rack to catch any drips of icing. Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon the icing over each cookie, allowing it to spread to the edges. Let the icing set for about 15 minutes before indulging!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh out of the oven while the centers are warm and gooey. You can enjoy them as is, or pair them with a cup of coffee, milk, or tea for a comforting snack. For an extra special treat, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling some extra icing on top for a more indulgent experience.

How to Store Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to retain their soft texture, consider adding a slice of bread to the container; it helps to maintain moisture in the cookies. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Tips to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve the best mixing results and texture.

2. Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is critical for proper spreading. This helps keep the cookies from becoming flat in the oven.

3. Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking.

4. Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to tweak the filling by adding chocolate chips or other spices to suit your taste.

Variations

If you’d like to mix things up, here are a few fun variations:

• Chocolate Chip Version: Add in chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for an extra chocolaty flavor.
• Seasonal Flavors: Incorporate pumpkin spice for a fall twist, or peppermint flavor during the holiday season.
• Fruit-Filled: Swap the filling for fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry for a fruity alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of flour?
While cake flour gives the cookies a tender texture, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the amount slightly.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance. Just make sure to keep it well wrapped in the fridge.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the tops are set and the edges are lightly golden. They may look slightly underbaked in the center; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

4. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Certainly! Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, could make a great addition to the cookie dough for added flavor and texture.

Creating these Brown Sugar Pop Tart-Inspired Cookies is a delightful way to embrace nostalgia while enjoying a sweet treat. With their chewy texture and sweet filling, they are sure to become a family favorite!