A Nostalgic Treat with a Delicious Twist
If you love Pop-Tarts and soft, chewy cookies, then these Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies will be your new favorite indulgence. This recipe combines the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavors of the classic toaster pastry with a rich, buttery cookie base. Each bite is packed with nostalgic sweetness and the perfect balance of texture—crispy edges, soft centers, and bits of flaky pastry throughout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Pop-Tart Lovers – Incorporates actual Pop-Tart pieces for an authentic taste.
- Soft & Chewy Texture – A delightful contrast to the crispiness of traditional Pop-Tarts.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for lunchbox treats, bake sales, or a fun dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts, chopped into small pieces
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Add the Pop-Tarts
- Gently fold in the chopped Pop-Tarts, being careful not to crush them too much.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
Variations
- Different Pop-Tart Flavors – Try Strawberry, S’mores, or Frosted Blueberry for a fun twist.
- Add White Chocolate Chips – Enhance the sweetness with melty white chocolate.
- Use Maple Glaze – Swap cinnamon for maple extract in the glaze for a cozy flavor.
- Make it a Bar Cookie – Spread the dough in a baking pan and slice into squares after baking.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of Pop-Tart?
Yes! While Brown Sugar Cinnamon works best, other flavors like Cookies & Cream or Strawberry also taste great.
How do I prevent my Pop-Tart pieces from getting too mushy?
Cut the Pop-Tarts into small chunks and gently fold them into the dough to maintain some texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free toaster pastries.
Do these cookies stay soft after baking?
Yes! They have a chewy, tender texture that stays soft for days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes).
Should I chill the dough before baking?
It’s not necessary, but chilling for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work if needed.
What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?
Use a spoon or transfer the glaze to a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and drizzle for a neater finish.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves nostalgic flavors and soft, chewy cookies. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit. Try different Pop-Tart flavors, play around with the glaze, and enjoy every bite of this deliciously fun cookie!
PrintBrown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies combine nostalgic toaster pastry flavors with a rich, buttery cookie base. Perfect for Pop-Tart lovers and easy to make!
Ingredients
- Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts, chopped into small pieces
- Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add the Pop-Tarts:
- Gently fold in chopped Pop-Tarts without crushing them too much.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Swap Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts for Strawberry, S’mores, or Frosted Blueberry.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use a maple glaze instead of cinnamon for a cozy flavor.
- Make bar cookies by spreading dough in a baking pan and slicing into squares after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: dessert , cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pop-Tart cookies, brown sugar cookies, chewy cookies, easy dessert, nostalgic treats