Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these brown sugar pop tart cookies! They’re like a warm hug on a plate, filled with fruity jam and just bursting with nostalgia. I remember making these with my family when I was a kid, and the smell of them baking would fill the entire house—it was pure magic! Trust me, there’s something so satisfying about biting into that buttery, flaky exterior and discovering a gooey, sweet jam center. They’re not just delicious; they’re a fun dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself—no judgment!). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delightful treat on a cozy afternoon, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy, homemade goodness!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (this is your base, so make sure it’s nice and fresh!)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit out so it’s easy to cream; trust me, it makes a difference!)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (the star of the show that gives these cookies that rich, caramel-like flavor)
- 1 large egg (this helps bind everything together—don’t skip it!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that delicious aroma and warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (this will give the cookies a little lift!)
- 1 cup fruit jam or preserves (choose your favorite flavor; strawberry, raspberry, or apricot are all fantastic!)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (for a sweet finishing touch that makes them look irresistible!)
How to Prepare Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon—either works! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look creamy and delicious!
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir them in until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens—those wonderful flavors start to blend together!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk them together to ensure there are no lumps. Once they’re nicely combined, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until it forms a soft dough. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
Step 5: Form the Dough
Divide your dough in half and roll each half out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a rolling pin to keep it even. Then, cut the dough into rectangles—these will be the tops and bottoms of your cookies. Aim for roughly the same size so they match up nicely!
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Take half of the rectangles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam on each rectangle, leaving a little space around the edges. Then, place the remaining rectangles on top and gently press down the edges with a fork to seal them. This part is fun—get creative with your sealing pattern!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop your assembled cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when they turn a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Once they’re baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar for that extra sweet touch. And voilà, your brown sugar pop tart cookies are ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—these cookies come together in about 35 minutes!
- Delightful taste with that perfect balance of buttery sweetness and fruity jam goodness.
- Customizable fillings—use your favorite fruit jam or even try chocolate hazelnut spread for a fun twist!
- Perfect for any occasion, from cozy afternoons at home to festive gatherings.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together, so bring the little ones into the kitchen!
- They look beautiful dusted with powdered sugar, making them a hit at parties.
- Soft and flaky texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow cookie enthusiasts! If you want your brown sugar pop tart cookies to turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you:
- Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. It makes creaming with the brown sugar so much easier and gives you that nice, fluffy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just don’t melt it!
- Don’t over-knead the dough: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them soft and flaky!
- Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky or hard to work with, you can chill it for about 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and cut without sticking.
- Experiment with jams: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your jam choices! I love using a mix of raspberry and apricot for a sweet and tangy twist. You can even try making your own homemade jam for an extra special touch!
- Seal those edges: When you’re assembling the cookies, pay extra attention to sealing the edges well. This prevents the jam from leaking out during baking. Plus, it adds a nice decorative touch!
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown but remember, they’ll continue to cook a little after you take them out!
- Let them cool: Patience is key! Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. This way, the sugar won’t melt into the warm cookies.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up a batch of delicious brown sugar pop tart cookies! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of those delightful brown sugar pop tart cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! To store them, simply place the cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. They can last at room temperature for about 3-5 days, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long because they’re just too good!
If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled down first. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just take out as many as you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it, or they can get a bit too warm!
For a little extra warmth and comfort, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them feel freshly baked again, and the aroma will fill your kitchen like a cozy hug. Enjoy every bite of your brown sugar pop tart cookies—they’re worth every delicious moment!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for these scrumptious brown sugar pop tart cookies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they should give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Each cookie is roughly:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are definitely a treat, so enjoy them in moderation! They’re perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without going overboard. Just remember, with every bite, you’re enjoying the cozy goodness of homemade cookies!
FAQ Section
What fruit jam works best?
Honestly, it’s all about personal preference! I love using strawberry or raspberry jam for that classic pop tart flavor, but you can experiment with anything from apricot to blueberry. For a fun twist, try a mix of different jams—your taste buds will thank you!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You bet! These cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the dough, shape it into rectangles, and then refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the shaped cookies and bake straight from frozen—just add a couple more minutes to the baking time!
How do I customize the filling?
Get creative! Besides traditional fruit jams, you can use chocolate hazelnut spread, peanut butter, or even a sweet cream cheese filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing a bit of nut butter with jam for a delicious combo. The sky’s the limit, so have fun with it!
Can I use store-bought dough?
Of course! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought pie dough or puff pastry. Just roll it out, cut into rectangles, and follow the same assembly steps. It’s a great shortcut that still delivers on flavor!
What can I do with leftover jam?
Leftover jam? No problem! You can spread it on toast, mix it into yogurt, or even use it as a topping for ice cream. It’s too good to waste, so get creative with those leftovers!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a great dish to pair with these cookies for a delightful meal!
Print
Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies: 7 Sweet Moments You’ll Love
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious brown sugar pop tart cookies filled with fruity jam.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fruit jam or preserves
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
- Add in egg and vanilla, mix well.
- Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in another bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Divide dough in half, roll out each half on a floured surface.
- Cut into rectangles and place half on a baking sheet.
- Spread a spoonful of jam on each rectangle.
- Top with remaining rectangles, sealing edges with a fork.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use your favorite fruit jam for filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a festive touch, add sprinkles on top before baking.
- 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: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: brown sugar pop tart cookies
