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Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of classic Pop Tarts with the comforting warmth and texture of homemade cookies. Featuring a buttery dough infused with cinnamon and filled with your choice of fruit preserves or chocolate spread, these cookies are perfect for any sweet craving or special occasion.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling and Topping

  • 1/2 cup fruit preserves or chocolate spread (your choice)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air into the dough for a tender texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  4. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tough cookies.
  6. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, take a small portion of dough and roll it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking and a delicate cookie texture.
  7. Cut Dough Rectangles: Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut out rectangular shapes from the rolled dough. Place half of these rectangles on the prepared baking sheet—they will act as the bottom layer.
  8. Add Filling: Spoon about a teaspoon of your chosen filling (fruit preserves or chocolate spread) onto the center of each dough rectangle on the baking sheet, being careful not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.
  9. Top and Seal Cookies: Cover each filled rectangle with another dough rectangle. Seal the edges securely by pressing down with a fork to ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
  10. Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Brush the tops of the sealed dough rectangles with the beaten egg to give a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle with sugar or colorful sprinkles for decoration and added texture.
  11. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through and have a delightful crunch.
  12. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying to let the filling set and flavors meld.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use vegan egg replacer for the egg and egg wash.
  • Ensure the dough is not overmixed once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
  • Use thick fruit preserves to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • Sprinkles are optional but add a fun and festive look to the cookies.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.