Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies: Cozy Indulgence
There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of cookies baking in the oven. The first whiff transports me back to childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s warm kitchen—her laughter mingling with the sweet scent of brown sugar and vanilla. Today, I’m sharing a delightful recipe that encapsulates those cozy vibes: Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. With their tender, buttery crust and luscious fruit jam filling, these cookies evoke nostalgia while adding a fun twist to your dessert table. Perfect for any occasion or just an everyday treat, they’re easy to whip up and simply irresistible. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking sessions, these cookies come together in no time.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these delightful treats, making them a hit for gatherings and playdates.
- Nostalgic twist: These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies combine the fun of a classic pastry with the comforting flavors of home-baked goodies.
- Customizable fillings: Choose from a variety of fruit jams and preserves to personalize each batch to your liking.
- Gorgeous golden finish: With a lovely golden hue straight from the oven, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (for filling)
- Optional: icing or glaze for topping
How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined, making sure everything is nicely incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes, typically rectangles, to form the cookie base.
- Place a tablespoon of fruit jam or preserves in the center of half of the cutouts, creating a lovely little pocket of flavor.
- Place a second cutout on top of each filled cookie, sealing the edges with a fork to ensure no delicious filling escapes.
- Transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with heavenly scents.
- Allow to cool, then drizzle with icing or glaze if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spiced Pear Jam Filling: Swap out your fruit jam for spiced pear preserves for a cozy fall flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Nut Butter Burst: Spread a layer of creamy nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) in addition to the jam for a rich and creamy cookie experience.
- Chocolate Delight: Add cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate spread or Nutella as a filling for a decadent twist.
- Zesty Orange Glaze: Mix some fresh orange zest into the icing for a refreshing and zesty citrus burst.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the dough ahead of time! Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month. Just let it soften a little before rolling.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re short on brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but the cookies won’t have that deep caramel flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Try substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer freshness!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes, the dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite jams or even chocolate spread.
How do I store leftovers? Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How long does it last? If stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a warm embrace on a plate, reminding us of home and comfort. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just because you need a little sweetness in your day, they’re bound to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Save this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with a tender, buttery crust and luscious fruit jam filling, perfect for any occasion or as an everyday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (for filling)
- Optional: icing or glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes for the cookie base.
- Place a tablespoon of fruit jam in the center of half of the cutouts.
- Place a second cutout on top, sealing the edges with a fork.
- Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool and drizzle with icing if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Customizable fillings include spiced pear jam, nut butter, or chocolate spread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, dessert, pop tart, nostalgic, baking