Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a nostalgic twist on two beloved treats: soft, chewy cookies and classic brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts. These cookies are packed with warm cinnamon flavor, brown sugar filling, and a hint of vanilla icing drizzle on top—just like the real thing but in soft, bakery-style cookie form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re fun, flavorful, and feel like a bite of childhood comfort with every chewy center. The cinnamon-sugar filling gives them that Pop-Tart personality, while the cookie base is rich, buttery, and soft-baked to perfection. They’re great for holidays, bake sales, or whenever I’m craving something uniquely sweet and cozy.

Ingredients

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

For the cookie dough:
unsalted butter, softened
brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
ground cinnamon

For the filling:
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
flour
unsalted butter, melted

For the glaze:
powdered sugar
milk or cream
vanilla extract
a pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, I cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. I beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, then gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

4. For the filling, I mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter until crumbly and thick.

5. I scoop the cookie dough into balls, flatten each one slightly, and place a small spoonful of the filling in the center.

6. I top each one with a bit more dough, sealing the edges so the filling stays inside during baking.

7. I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

8. While they cool, I make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

9. Once the cookies are cooled, I drizzle the glaze over the tops and let them set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–20 cookies. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 10–12 minutes to bake per batch, and about 30 minutes total including cooling and glazing.

Variations

Sometimes I chop actual brown sugar Pop-Tarts into small bits and fold them into the dough for extra fun. I’ve also made them sandwich-style, layering filling between two flattened cookie dough pieces. If I want more cinnamon flavor, I add a dash to the glaze or sprinkle extra on top before baking. And for a breakfast-cookie feel, I add a few oats into the dough.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them extra soft, I sometimes add a slice of bread to the container. They freeze well too—I let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave.

this Recipe

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Pop-Tarts in the dough?

Yes, I’ve chopped up brown sugar Pop-Tarts and mixed them into the cookie dough for even more nostalgia and flavor.

Do I have to make the glaze?

Not at all. I like the glaze for that Pop-Tart touch, but the cookies are delicious even without it.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. It helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

I make sure to completely seal the dough around the filling and avoid overfilling each cookie.

Can I use a different filling?

Definitely. I’ve tried cinnamon apple, Nutella, and even jam fillings for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a sweet, soft, and cinnamon-spiced treat that blends the best of cookies and classic toaster pastries. They’re fun to make, packed with cozy flavor, and always a hit wherever I take them. Whether I’m reliving childhood memories or just indulging in a twist on a favorite, these cookies always satisfy.