Name: Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-484951H38M47S
Total time: PT-484951H38M47S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the cookie dough:; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup light brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract; For the filling:; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; For the glaze:; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a nostalgic treat that combines everything I love about the classic toaster pastry with the soft, chewy texture of a bakery-style cookie. Stuffed with a cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a sweet glaze, these cookies are like a grown-up version of my favorite childhood breakfast.

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting flavor of brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts and the rich, chewy consistency of a homemade cookie. The cinnamon sugar filling melts into the cookie dough, giving each bite a gooey center that’s incredibly satisfying. Plus, the brown sugar glaze on top adds the perfect sweet touch.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter
Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Milk

For the filling:

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Flour

Directions

I start by making the cinnamon sugar filling. I combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour to form a thick paste and set it aside.
Then I mix the dry ingredients in one bowl—flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, I cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Then I add the egg and vanilla extract.
I gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Using a cookie scoop, I flatten half of the dough portions and place a small spoonful of the filling in the center. I top it with another flattened dough portion and seal the edges.
I bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 11–13 minutes until the edges are golden.
While the cookies cool, I whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk to make a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–14 large cookies.
Preparation takes around 20 minutes, baking takes 11–13 minutes, and cooling/glazing takes another 15–20 minutes.
So, in total, I set aside about an hour to make them from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for an extra warm spice note.
For a salted caramel twist, I drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the glaze.
I’ve tried using maple extract in the glaze for a cozy breakfast flavor—it’s amazing.

Storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to soften them slightly. If I want a crispier edge, I reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

What makes these cookies taste like Pop-Tarts?

The cinnamon brown sugar filling is the key! It mimics the flavor of the classic toaster pastry perfectly when combined with the cookie dough and glaze.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. I just let it soften slightly before assembling the cookies.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not necessarily, but if I find the dough is too soft to handle, a quick chill in the fridge for 20 minutes helps with shaping.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. I freeze the baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. I just thaw and glaze them before serving.

What can I use instead of brown sugar in the filling?

If I’m out of brown sugar, I use granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses mixed in to recreate the flavor and moisture.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a cozy, nostalgic treat that I keep coming back to. They’re sweet, spiced, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself with a warm drink. Whether I’m baking for a gathering or indulging in a solo snack, these cookies never disappoint.