Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Name: Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 43 min
Cuisine: American
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; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) for filling; 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed) for filling; 1 teaspoon cinnamon for filling; 2 tablespoons cake flour for filling; 1 cup powdered sugar for icing; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for icing; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled) for icing; 2 1/2 tablespoons milk for icing

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, a whimsical twist on a classic treat. These cookies feature a rich, buttery flavor with hints of warm brown sugar and cinnamon, perfectly encased in a tender cake-like texture. Upon baking, they emit an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. Ideal for afternoon snacks, birthday parties, or cozy gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. With a luscious icing drizzled on top, each bite is a delightful balance of rich sweetness and subtle spice. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delectable cookies that capture the essence of nostalgia while offering a fresh take.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides a rich and creamy base for the dough.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep molasses flavor and moisture.
2 eggs (room temperature): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
3 3/4 cups cake flour: Creates a soft and tender cookie structure.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to give the cookies a lighter texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides leavening for a perfect rise.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Works with baking soda for added fluffiness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of the cookies.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds flavor and moisture to the filling.
3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed) for filling: Sweetens and enhances the filling’s taste.
1 teaspoon cinnamon for filling: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
2 tablespoons cake flour for filling: Helps bind the filling ingredients together.
1 cup powdered sugar for icing: Provides sweetness and smooth texture for the icing.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for icing: Enhances the flavor profile of the icing.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled) for icing: Adds richness and helps to create a creamy consistency.
2 1/2 tablespoons milk for icing: Thins the icing to a spreadable consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat them together until creamy and well blended.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until the batter is light and fluffy.
In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
To make the filling, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a bowl until smooth.
Form small balls of the filling, about the size of a marble, and set them aside.
Scoop portions of the chilled dough, place a ball of filling inside each scoop, and seal the dough around the filling tightly.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Spoon the icing onto the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 11-13 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 210 per cookie

Tips, Storage & Variations

Cooking Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Flavor Variations: For a twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough, or use vanilla bean in place of vanilla extract for a more aromatic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Baked cookies can also be stored for up to a week.
What if I don’t have cake flour?
You can substitute with a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch (1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch).
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
While you can replace some granulated sugar with brown sugar, the texture may be slightly different.
What can I use instead of cinnamon?
You can use nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile, but the cookies will taste quite different.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, unbaked dough balls can be frozen and baked as needed.
How can I make the icing thicker?
Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor. They are perfect for any occasion and can easily become a family favorite. I encourage you to try making these cookies and share your delicious creations with friends and family. Enjoy the warmth and joy these cookies bring as you gather together for happy moments.

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Print Recipe

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies, featuring a rich, buttery flavor with hints of brown sugar and cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will impress both kids and adults alike.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 90 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 103 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) for filling
3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed) for filling
1 teaspoon cinnamon for filling
2 tablespoons cake flour for filling
1 cup powdered sugar for icing
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for icing
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled) for icing
2 1/2 tablespoons milk for icing

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat until creamy and well blended.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the batter is light and fluffy.
In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
To make the filling, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cake flour in a bowl until smooth.
Form small balls of the filling and set them aside.
Scoop portions of the chilled dough, place a ball of filling inside each scoop, and seal the dough around the filling tightly.
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 11-13 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Spoon the icing onto the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Notes

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 months.