Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe

Crafting delectable homemade frosted brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts sparks pure childhood nostalgia with a gourmet twist.

Memories of breakfast mornings flood back when golden pastry squares emerge from the kitchen.

Sweet cinnamon aromas waft through the house, promising delightful comfort in every bite.

Flaky layers of buttery dough embrace rich brown sugar filling, creating irresistible treats.

Crisp edges and warm spices make these pop tarts far superior to anything from a box.

Drizzling glossy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch that turns simple pastries into a celebration.

Whip up these magical squares and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Essential Ingredients For Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Pie Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a tender and flaky pastry dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pie crust.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates the signature flaky texture of the pie crust.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the ingredients together without overworking the dough.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and caramelized base for the pop tart filling.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to the filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling and prevent excess moisture.
Egg Wash and Icing Ingredients:
  • Egg, Milk: Provide moisture and help create a golden-brown surface for the pop tarts.
  • Confectioners' Sugar, Milk, Ground Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet icing that completes the pop tarts.

How To Bake Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

How To Bake Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

Step 1: Whip Up the Buttery Pie Crust

Grab flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Mix them together.

Slice cold butter into tiny pieces and work it into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.

The goal is a texture that’s bumpy and uneven, with little butter bits scattered throughout.

Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

Splash cold water into the flour mixture, one tablespoon at a time.

Gently stir until the dough starts clumping.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and softly shape it into a ball.

Don’t overwork the dough – be gentle!

If it feels too dry, dab your fingers in cold water.

If too sticky, dust with extra flour.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Slice the dough in half and flatten each piece into a thick disc.

Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap.

Slide them into the refrigerator and let them rest for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry

Pull out one dough disc and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.

Roll it into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.

Trim the edges and cut into 9 smaller rectangles, each 3×4 inches.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Flour

Step 6: Assemble the Pop Tarts

Place pastry rectangles on baking sheets.

Brush with egg wash.

Spread filling in the center of half the rectangles.

Top with remaining pastry rectangles.

Press edges to seal and crimp with a fork.

Poke small holes on top to let steam escape.

Step 7: Chill and Prep for Baking

Refrigerate the assembled pop tarts for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush tops with egg wash.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Rotate the pan halfway through baking.

Step 9: Create the Creamy Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Adjust consistency by adding milk if needed.

Step 10: Frost and Finish

Once pop tarts are completely cool, spread the glaze on top.

Let the icing set for about an hour.

Step 11: Store and Enjoy

Keep pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.

Pro Tip: Get creative with fillings!

Try fruit preserves, Nutella, or chocolate for exciting variations.

Tips For Perfect Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

  • Refrigerate pastry discs for at least 2 hours to ensure a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape during baking.
  • Press and crimp pop tart edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk gradually, ensuring smooth and spreadable icing.
  • Swap brown sugar cinnamon for fruit preserves, Nutella, or chocolate to create unique flavor variations.
  • Store baked, unfrosted pop tarts in the freezer for up to 3 months for convenient make-ahead treats.

Flavor Options For Frosted Pop Tarts

  • Gluten-Free Pop Tarts: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pie crust recipe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Pop Tarts: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, use plant-based milk for egg wash, and create dairy-free icing with almond milk and powdered sugar.
  • Fruit-Filled Variation: Swap brown sugar cinnamon filling with strawberry, blueberry, or apple preserves for a fruity alternative that keeps the classic pop tart shape.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Replace cinnamon filling with Nutella or chocolate ganache, creating a rich and decadent pastry perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.

Best Pairings For Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

  • Breakfast Companion: Pair these golden-brown pop tarts with a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a delightful morning treat that satisfies your sweet tooth.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these homemade pop tarts in a portable container for a nostalgic outdoor snack that brings back childhood memories and adds a touch of homemade comfort to your day.
  • Dessert Twist: Transform these pop tarts into a decadent dessert by serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap these pop tarts individually in cute packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift that shows care and personal touch, perfect for friends, family, or special occasions.

Storage Advice For Pop Tarts

  • Seal pop tarts in an airtight container and keep them fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Store pop tarts in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 days, ensuring they remain tasty and ready to enjoy.
  • Wrap unfrosted pop tarts individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
  • Warm pop tarts in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, gooey filling, bringing them back to near-fresh condition.

FAQs

  • Can I make the pop tart dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crust dough up to 5 days in advance and refrigerate, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

  • How do I prevent my pop tart edges from breaking?

Use egg wash and press firmly around the edges with your fingertips. Then crimp the edges with a fork to create a tight seal that prevents the filling from leaking during baking.

  • What if my dough is too dry or crumbly?

Dip your fingers in cold water and continue bringing the dough together. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on the dough while kneading.

Why Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Why Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
  • Craft a Homemade Masterpiece: Ditch store-bought versions and create your own pop tarts with love, showcasing your baking skills and impressing family and friends.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves, Nutella, or chocolate, transforming this recipe into a personalized treat that matches your taste preferences.
  • Perfect for Nostalgic Comfort: Relive childhood memories with a gourmet twist, enjoying a classic breakfast pastry made from scratch with high-quality, fresh ingredients that taste way better than the packaged version.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a flexible recipe for various occasions and gatherings.
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Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe

Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe


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4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade frosted brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts bring nostalgic comfort straight from your kitchen, elevating childhood memories with flaky pastry and warm spices. Crisp edges, sweet filling, and sugary glaze make these pop tarts an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor with morning coffee or afternoon snack.


Ingredients

Scale

For Pastry Dough:

  • 2.5 cups (313g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed dark or light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour

For Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Additional:

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie crust by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add cold water, stirring until the dough forms large clumps without becoming too wet or dry.
  3. Gently knead the dough on a floured surface, forming two disc-shaped portions, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. Roll out each chilled dough disc into a 9×12-inch rectangle, trimming edges to create precise 3×4-inch rectangles.
  5. Arrange dough rectangles on parchment-lined baking sheets, keeping them chilled between steps.
  6. Create the cinnamon filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl.
  7. Brush egg wash on bottom dough rectangles, then spread filling in the center, leaving a narrow border.
  8. Place top dough rectangles over the filling, pressing edges to seal completely.
  9. Puncture the top of each pastry with 6-8 holes to allow steam escape, then crimp edges with a fork.
  10. Chill assembled pop tarts for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
  11. Brush additional egg wash on top before baking for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Cool pop tarts on a wire rack, then prepare a cinnamon glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  13. Spread icing over completely cooled pop tarts, allowing it to set for approximately one hour.
  14. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
  15. For long-term storage, freeze unfrosted pop tarts for up to 3 months, reheating at 350°F when ready to serve.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
  • Keep all ingredients cold, especially butter, to maintain the pastry’s delicate texture and prevent toughness.
  • Use a ruler for precise rectangle cutting to create uniform pop tarts that bake evenly.
  • Try alternative fillings like fruit preserves, Nutella, or chocolate for exciting flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 308 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 146 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 32 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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