Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious, look no further than these Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies. These delightful cookies capture the nostalgic taste of your favorite childhood pastry in a whole new way. Perfect for dessert tables, cozy gatherings, or just an indulgent snack at home, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of cookies and Pop-Tarts into one sweet bite.
- Perfectly sweet and buttery with a hint of cinnamon spice.
- Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Versatile enough for tweaking to suit dietary preferences.
- Great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a special treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup crushed Pop-Tarts (brown sugar flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Add Pop-Tarts and Pecans
Gently fold in the crushed Pop-Tarts and chopped pecans, if using. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Learn more about butter [here](https://www.bonappetit.com/story/room-temperature-butter).
- Crushing the Pop-Tarts into small pieces helps them incorporate better into the dough.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Storage Instructions
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.
Suggested Pairings
Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Pro Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. Discover more about this [here](https://www.seriouseats.com/chilling-cookie-dough).
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies and consistent baking.
- Experiment with different Pop-Tart flavors for a unique taste every time.
FAQ
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but the taste and texture might differ slightly as butter adds more flavor.
- Do I need to refrigerate the dough? It’s not necessary but helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
- Can these cookies be made vegan? Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter to adapt the recipe.