These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a fun twist on your favorite treat! They are chewy, sweet, and packed with that delicious brown sugar flavor. Who can resist a cookie that tastes like a pop tart?
Making these cookies is a blast! I love picking out my favorite filling to surprise my friends. It’s like a little gift with every bite. Plus, they look so cute on a plate! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great results with almond flour, but it may make cookies a bit denser.
Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar enhances the caramel flavor in these cookies. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar + 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup to mimic brown sugar’s taste. It works wonders!
Unsalted butter: Makes the cookies rich and tender. You can use margarine or a butter substitute if needed. Just be cautious of the moisture content in substitutes, as it may change the texture.
Heavy cream: This adds richness to the filling. If you want to lighten it up, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the texture will be a bit different.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Have the Perfect texture?
Getting the right texture for your cookies can be tricky. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to soften your butter at room temperature; this helps it combine well with sugar for that chewy texture.
- Don’t overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated – overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- If your dough feels sticky, chilling it allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to work with and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Be mindful of the baking time! Pull them from the oven when they’re just lightly golden. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious, chewy Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies ready to enjoy!
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Decoration:
- Sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking. Additionally, let the cookies cool for about 15 minutes before glazing, making the total time around 1 hour. The best part? They’re ready to serve right away, perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set this mixture aside for later.
2. Mixing the Cookie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined and fluffy.
3. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a dough forms. If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill.
4. Making the Filling:
For the delicious brown sugar filling, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Set this aside while you get back to the cookie dough.
5. Rolling and Shaping the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut it into rectangles measuring about 3×4 inches.
6. Assembling the Cookies:
Place half of the rectangles onto the prepared baking sheets. Spoon about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the brown sugar filling onto the center of each rectangle, leaving some space around the edges. Brush a little water on the edges to help seal the cookies.
7. Sealing and Pricking:
Top each filled rectangle with another piece of dough. Gently press the edges together with a fork to seal them tightly. Then, use a fork to prick the tops to allow steam to escape and create a fun design.
8. Baking the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn light golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on baking sheets for about 10-15 minutes.
9. Glazing the Cookies:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
10. Decorating:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over each cookie generously. Top with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch!
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy these deliciously sweet, chewy Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies that look like classic pop tarts but with an irresistible homemade twist!
Happy baking! 🍪
Can I Use Another Type of Sugar for the Dough?
Yes! You can use white granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter cookie, though it won’t have the rich flavor of brown sugar. You might want to add a tablespoon of molasses to replicate that flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they are completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Use Different Fillings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use fruit preserves, Nutella, or even chocolate chips if you want a different flavor. Just aim for a similar texture to the brown sugar filling so it fills nicely.
What If My Cookie Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, just pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help solidify the butter and make the dough easier to roll out and shape!
