Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the smell of baking cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? It’s a comforting scent that seems to wrap you in a warm, sugary hug, and it always takes me back to those delightful afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that captures that nostalgic charm—Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s as sweet and delightful as your favorite childhood treat, yet sophisticated enough for adult palates. These cookies combine the buttery goodness of a classic cookie with the comforting cinnamon-brown sugar filling reminiscent of a pop tart, topped off with a luscious glaze.
Not only do these cookies promise a delightful trip down memory lane, but they also offer a handful of heartwarming benefits. They’re perfect for making any afternoon feel special, whether you’re sharing them with family or indulging in a quiet moment all by yourself. They’re also a fabulous way to introduce kids to the wonders of baking, creating sweet memories that they’ll cherish forever. Plus, they’re incredibly satisfying to make, with each step bringing you closer to that first delicious bite.
Let’s dive into this kitchen adventure together, creating a batch of cookies that speaks the universal language of love and sugar!
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a little piece of happiness that fits perfectly on any table. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to make these cookies part of your baking repertoire:
- Nostalgic Delight: These cookies capture the essence of childhood favorites, perfect for bringing back those warm, fuzzy feelings.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies is a wonderful activity to share with kids, teaching them the joys of creating something delicious from scratch.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just sharing with neighbors, these cookies are bound to be a hit.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up without any special trips to the store.
- Versatile Enjoyment: They’re equally delightful with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an after-dinner treat.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Having the right tools at your disposal can make any baking project feel like a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer with a paddle attachment
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Teaspoon and 1/4 cup measuring scoop
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
Cookies
– 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
Brown Sugar Filling
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons cake flour
Brown Sugar Glaze
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the butter, sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer, or use a hand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat for another 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a separate medium bowl until combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat on medium speed until combined, 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed. Cover and chill the dough for one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add the filling ingredients to a medium bowl and stir until smooth. Use a heaping teaspoon (about 2 teaspoons) to scoop the filling out and roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
- Scoop the chilled dough out using a 1/4 cup measuring cup (or a very large cookie scoop). Break the dough in half and create a well in the middle of one half. Place one ball of filling inside the well and press the other half on top of the filling and pinch the seams. Roll them into a ball to seal the filling inside.
- Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the tops are just set and the edges are lightly golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While they cool, make the icing. Whisk together all of the icing ingredients until smooth. Place a piece of parchment paper under the cooling rack and spoon the icing on top of each cookie, letting it spread to the edges. Allow it to set for 15 minutes and enjoy.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 13 minutes • Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes • Calories: 320 per cookie • Servings: 24 cookies
Note: For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice kick!
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
When it comes to baking, choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference. Here’s how the ingredients in our Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies contribute both flavor and health benefits:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and buttery flavor, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, more complex sweetness than white sugar, thanks to its molasses content.
- Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon adds warmth and a nostalgic spice note.
- Cake Flour: Helps achieve a tender crumb, making these cookies delightfully soft.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, keeping the cookies from becoming dry and crumbly.
By using these ingredients, you’re not only crafting a delicious treat but also incorporating elements that bring a warm, comforting flavor to each bite.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverage can elevate your experience. Here are a few pairing ideas that will complement the flavors beautifully:
- Hot Coffee or Latte: The robust flavor of coffee pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfect balance.
- Chai Tea: The spices in chai enhance the cinnamon notes in the cookies, providing a cozy, aromatic pairing.
- Cold Milk: A classic choice that’s especially loved by kids, milk’s creaminess complements the cookie’s richness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Storing your Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to do it:
- Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to keep them longer, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature.
- Reheating: For a freshly-baked taste, warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
Enjoying these cookies as leftovers can be just as delightful. Try crumbling them over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast treat, or use them as a base for a cookie crust in your favorite dessert recipes.
Baking is a beautiful way to create joy and share love, and these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a testament to that. They remind us that the simplest ingredients, when combined with care, can produce something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or building new ones with your family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
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Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the butter, sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat for another 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a separate medium bowl until combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat on medium speed until combined, 1-2 minutes. Cover and chill the dough for one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add the filling ingredients to a medium bowl and stir until smooth. Scoop the filling out and roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
- Scoop the chilled dough out using a 1/4 cup measure. Create a well in one half, place one ball of filling inside, and cover with the other half. Roll into a ball to seal the filling inside.
- Arrange the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes until set and golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the icing. Whisk together all of the icing ingredients until smooth. Spoon the icing on top of each cookie, allowing it to spread to the edges. Allow it to set for 15 minutes.
