Brown Sugar Pop Tarts Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that rich, cinnamon-swirled goodness of a classic toaster pastry—but wished for something a little more homemade and a lot more delicious—this Brown Sugar Pop Tarts recipe will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine buttery, tender pastry wrapped around a sweet, spiced brown sugar filling, topped with a perfectly set cinnamon icing. The best part? They’re shockingly easy to pull together, making them perfect for those hectic weekdays when you want something special without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes these homemade pop tarts so special:

• All-Purpose Flour: For a reliable, sturdy-yet-tender pastry shell. Tip: Have extra for dusting your work surface.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the pastry.
• Salted Butter: Cold and cubed is key—this creates that irresistibly flaky texture. Don’t use margarine; real butter makes all the difference!
• Cold Water: Brings the dough together without making it tough.
• Vanilla Extract: A tiny splash for deep flavor in the crust.
• Brown Sugar: The hero filling! Brown sugar’s molasses note is what gives these pop tarts their signature flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that makes every bite cozy.
• Egg & Milk: To make a quick egg wash, helping the edges seal and encouraging that golden-brown finish.
• Powdered Sugar: For the dreamy, sweet icing on top.
• Extra Milk & Cinnamon: In the icing for that classic flavor and perfect balance between sweet and spice.

Variations

These pop tarts are endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to keep things exciting:

• Fruit Filling: Swap in your favorite thick jam or fruit preserves for the brown sugar filling—a berry or apricot version would be fantastic.
• Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
• Vegan-Friendly: Go for plant-based butter and skip the egg wash—use a splash of dairy-free milk instead.
• Less Sweet? Cut down the brown sugar in the filling or use coconut sugar for something less intense.
• Spicy Cinnamon: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the filling for an extra warming twist.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

Step 1: Make the Pastry

Pulse together flour and sugar in a food processor. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture forms tiny pebbles—think coarse sand. Add vanilla, then slowly pour in cold water, pulsing just until the dough starts to come together.

Bring dough into a ball, cover, and chill for 20-30 minutes. Chilling keeps the butter cold and ensures flakiness!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small scoop of flour. This helps keep the filling thick and gooey, not runny.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into rectangles—the classic pop tart shape. Keep them roughly even so they bake uniformly.

Step 4: Assemble

Lay half the rectangles on a prepared baking sheet. Brush each with egg wash. Spoon a generous tablespoon of filling onto each, spreading to about 1/4-inch from the edges.

Top with a second rectangle and use a fork to firmly crimp the edges all the way around—this is important for keeping that delicious filling from leaking out. Poke holes in the top with a toothpick to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Don’t over-bake or the edges could dry out!

Step 6: Make the Icing

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust milk or sugar for your preferred consistency—thick but spreadable is ideal.

Step 7: Finish and Enjoy

Once the pop tarts are cool, spread icing generously over the tops. Allow a few minutes for the icing to set before serving (if you can wait that long!).

How to Serve

These pop tarts are incredible just the way they are, but a few little extras can make them even better:

• Classic: Just alongside your favorite cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
• Breakfast Spread: Pair with fruit and yogurt for a cozy morning tray.
• Warm It Up: A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Split one and layer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop tarts keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, store in the fridge (the icing will stay firm).

Freezing

Un-iced and fully cooled pop tarts can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Leave off the icing until you’re ready to serve. Thaw, warm slightly, then ice for a just-made finish.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 350°F for five minutes, or pop in the toaster for that classic experience. If already iced, use a low oven so the glaze doesn’t melt away.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baking Brown Sugar Pop Tarts at home transforms a childhood favorite into something truly special and totally within reach, no matter how busy your schedule. With their flaky pastry, dreamy cinnamon filling, and simple cinnamon icing, these treats bring pure comfort and fun to your kitchen. Try them once, and you may never go back to store-bought! Happy baking—don’t forget to sneak one warm from the tray.

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