Intro
There’s a special kind of joy in biting into something that’s both nostalgic and completely new. This Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe capture that feeling perfectly. Imagine the sweet, flaky charm of a classic pop tart, all wrapped into a chewy, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth.
As a home cook, I’m always chasing that balance — the crisp edges, the tender center, and that satisfying hit of caramelized brown sugar with a touch of jam.
I first experimented with this recipe on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The kitchen smelled heavenly — warm brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon floating through the air. The first bite was magic: buttery, sweet, and slightly caramelized, with a fruity surprise from the jam inside.
My kids hovered around the counter, and let’s just say, they disappeared faster than I could plate them. That’s the kind of recipe I live for: simple, fun, and universally loved.
Today, I want to share everything about this Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe, from the ingredients to the perfect bake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun weekend treat, this recipe will not disappoint.
What is Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe?
These cookies are essentially a hybrid of a classic pop tart and a soft cookie. We take the essence of a pop tart — the sweet, slightly flaky dough and the fruity jam filling — and transform it into a cookie that’s chewy, buttery, and packed with brown sugar flavor.
Unlike store-bought pop tarts, these cookies are homemade with quality ingredients and a lot of love. The dough is enriched with brown sugar for caramel-like notes, vanilla for warmth, and butter for richness. Then, instead of frosting the tops like a traditional pop tart, we bake them into soft, foldable cookies that hold a jam surprise in the center.
They’re portable, kid-friendly, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Bonus: you get that nostalgic pop tart vibe without any of the preservatives.
Equipment List
You won’t need anything fancy to make these cookies:
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
That’s it! Simple tools, amazing results.
Recipe Card Info
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 32–34 minutes
Serves: 14–16 cookies
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Calories: Approximately 220 per cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
- ½ cup fruit jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
- ¼ cup coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. The aroma alone is enough to make you eager for the next step.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth, glossy, and slightly thick.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing; you want the dough tender.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it into a small disk in your hand. Make a small indentation in the center for the jam. Place ½ teaspoon of jam in the center, then fold the edges over to seal it into a ball. Flatten slightly and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Leave about 2 inches between cookies as they will spread slightly.
Step 6: Optional Topping
Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar if you like a crunchy, caramelized finish.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Flavor Profile
These Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies are chewy with slightly crisp edges. The brown sugar gives them a deep caramel flavor that complements the fruity jam perfectly. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth without being overpowering. The butter ensures a rich, tender bite, and the jam centers are a sweet surprise in every mouthful.
They hit the perfect notes: buttery, sweet, fruity, and nostalgic.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use soft butter – it ensures even creaming with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix – overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Choose a thick jam – this prevents leakage while baking.
- Slight indentation for jam – helps keep the filling in the center.
- Cool slightly before moving – these cookies are delicate when hot.
Variations
- Chocolate-filled – substitute jam with Nutella or chocolate chips.
- Mixed berry – use different jams for a variety of flavors.
- Frosted pop tart style – drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Add-ins – finely chopped nuts or white chocolate chips in the dough.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe combines nostalgia with ease. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to impress at a party. Kids, adults, and even picky eaters will love them. Plus, they fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.
Once you try these, I promise you’ll be making them again and again. Sweet, buttery, chewy, and jam-filled — the perfect bite every time.
Final Thoughts
Baking should bring joy, and this recipe does exactly that. It’s approachable, fun, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies bring comfort and smiles to every bite.
So grab your butter, sugar, and favorite jam, and let’s bake a batch that will make your kitchen smell like happiness!
More Recipes:
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium).
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional, adds warmth
- ½ cup fruit jam of your choice strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry
- ¼ cup coarse sugar for sprinkling optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. The aroma alone is enough to make you eager for the next step.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth, glossy, and slightly thick.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing; you want the dough tender.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
- Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it into a small disk in your hand. Make a small indentation in the center for the jam. Place ½ teaspoon of jam in the center, then fold the edges over to seal it into a ball. Flatten slightly and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Leave about 2 inches between cookies as they will spread slightly.
Step 6: Optional Topping
- Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar if you like a crunchy, caramelized finish.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Hi, I’m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere