Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the absolute joy that is making these brown sugar pop tart cookies! They take me straight back to my childhood when I would indulge in those classic pop tarts, you know the ones—filled with gooey goodness and a sprinkle of nostalgia. But here’s the best part: these cookies take that beloved treat and give it a homemade twist that’s just out of this world!
Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie with a slightly crunchy exterior, filled with your choice of sweet, fruity jam. The brown sugar adds a lovely depth and richness, making each cookie feel extra special. The texture? Oh wow, it’s a perfect balance of chewy and crumbly, and let me tell you, they’re just begging to be paired with a cup of tea or a tall glass of milk. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these in your cookie jar all week long (if they last that long!).
So, if you’re ready to bring a bit of that pop tart magic into your kitchen, let’s dive right into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our cookie dough and gives it that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams beautifully with the sugar!
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar is the star here! It adds a lovely caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Don’t forget to pack it into the cup for the perfect amount!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your main dry ingredient, giving structure to our cookies. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. It’s a must for making those flavors pop!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the brown sugar perfectly. Go for pure vanilla if you can; it makes a difference!
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice): This is where you get to personalize your cookies! Use your favorite jam—strawberry, raspberry, or even a zesty apricot will work wonders.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This gives our cookies that beautiful golden sheen. Just whisk it up a bit, and you’re good to go!
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 get that lovely golden brown color. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked cookies!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s cream together that softened butter and brown sugar. You want to mix them until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick! This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies soft and chewy. So don’t rush it!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next up, add in your all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture. I like to add the flour gradually, mixing just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix here; a gentle fold is perfect. The dough should come together nicely without being too sticky!
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Now, onto the fun part—rolling out the dough! Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangles. They don’t have to be perfect, but aim for uniform sizes so they bake evenly. And remember, you’ll want enough pieces for the top and bottom of each cookie!
Step 5: Add the Jam Filling
Here’s where you can really get creative! Take a spoonful of your favorite jam and place it on half of the rectangles. Don’t go overboard; about a teaspoon is perfect! You want to leave some space around the edges to seal the cookies later. Yum, can you smell that fruity goodness already?
Step 6: Seal the Cookies
Now, take the remaining rectangles and place them on top of the jam-filled ones. Press down the edges gently to seal them, and you can use a fork to crimp the edges for a cute touch! This step is super important because it keeps all that delicious jam from leaking out while baking. We definitely want to keep that filling inside!
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
Whisk your beaten egg and brush it over the tops of your cookies. This gives them that beautiful golden sheen and helps to create a nice crust. It’s the little things that make a big difference, right? Just a light brush will do—no need to drown them!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Time to pop those beauties in the oven! Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end; you’ll know they’re done when they smell amazing and the edges are just starting to crisp up. Oh, the aroma will be irresistible!
Step 9: Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial because it helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Plus, you want to give that jam a moment to set a bit before diving in!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! I know, I know—sometimes we just want to enjoy our cookies without thinking about calories, but it’s good to be informed, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful brown sugar pop tart cookies:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the jam. But hey, now you can enjoy these cookies with a little more peace of mind! Just remember, everything in moderation—unless you can’t resist having a few more, which I totally understand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These cookies come together in no time! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in about 40 minutes.
- Customizable Filling Options: Use any jam you love or even mix and match for a fun medley of flavors. The possibilities are endless!
- Delicious Taste: With the rich brown sugar and fruity jam, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that’s sure to please your taste buds.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat for friends, these cookies are always a hit!
- Nostalgic Vibes: They bring back that childhood joy of pop tarts but in a homemade, cookie form that feels extra special.
- Fun to Make: Involve the kids or friends in rolling, cutting, and filling—it’s a fun activity that ends with delicious rewards!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail these brown sugar pop tart cookies! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:
- Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is getting too warm or sticky while you’re working with it, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Chilled dough is much easier to roll out and will help your cookies hold their shape better while baking!
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Look for that beautiful golden color around the edges. If they start browning too quickly, you can rotate the baking sheet for even cooking.
- Don’t Overfill: When it comes to adding jam, less is definitely more! If you add too much, the filling might ooze out during baking. Stick to about a teaspoon, and you’ll be in good shape!
- Fork Crimping: If you want a fun design and a more secure seal, use a fork to crimp the edges of the cookies. Not only does it look cute, but it also helps ensure your jam stays put!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! Try mixing different jams or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a twist. The flavor combinations are endless, and it’s a great way to make each batch unique!
- Let Them Cool: As tempting as it is to dive right in, let those cookies cool on a wire rack. This helps them firm up and enhances their crunchiness. Plus, the jam will be less likely to burn your tongue!
- Share the Love: These cookies are perfect for sharing, so consider packaging a few up as gifts or bringing them to gatherings. Trust me, your friends and family will love you for it!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best brown sugar pop tart cookies ever! Happy baking!
Variations on brown sugar pop tart cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous (and trust me, you should be!), there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these brown sugar pop tart cookies. Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Jam Medley: Why stick to just one flavor? Try using a combination of your favorite jams, like raspberry and peach, for a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your dough for a warm, cozy flavor that makes these cookies perfect for chilly days. It’s like a hug in cookie form!
- Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent twist, swap out some of the flour for cocoa powder and fill the cookies with chocolate spread or a rich chocolate jam. Oh, my goodness, chocolate pop tarts!
- Citrus Zing: Try adding some lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick. This pairs wonderfully with berry jams, giving your cookies a bright flavor boost!
- Nutty Addition: Fold in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Savory Twist: Feeling bold? Try a savory filling, like a mix of cream cheese and herbs, for a unique snack that’s perfect for gatherings. These will be the talk of the party!
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to check the measurements as they can vary.
These variations not only keep things exciting but also ensure that every batch of brown sugar pop tart cookies can be a little different. So go ahead, get creative, and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these heavenly brown sugar pop tart cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible! First off, you’ll want to store any leftovers (if there are any, because let’s be real, these cookies are hard to resist!) in an airtight container. This will help keep them from drying out and maintain that lovely chewy texture.
These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days, but if you want to keep them even longer, you can pop them in the fridge. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re looking to restore that fresh-baked warmth, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too hot! You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help crisp them up a bit while making the jam warm and gooey again. Oh, trust me, it’s worth it!
With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your brown sugar pop tart cookies anytime the craving hits. Happy snacking!
Imprimer
Brown sugar pop tart cookies that spark childhood joy
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious brown sugar pop tart cookies filled with sweet jam.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar.
- Add flour and salt, mix until combined.
- Roll out the dough and cut into rectangles.
- Place a spoonful of jam on half of the rectangles.
- Top with remaining rectangles and seal edges.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use any flavor of jam you like.
- Chill dough for easier handling if needed.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: brown sugar pop tart cookies
