Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pop tarts are packed with comforting flavor. The brown sugar and cinnamon filling is rich and warm, while the flaky pastry adds the perfect contrast in texture.
Making them from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and ingredients, giving you a fresher and more satisfying result than store-bought versions. The cinnamon glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
They’re also fun to make and easy to customize, making them a great baking project for weekends or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pastry:
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
salt
cold unsalted butter, cubed
cold water
For the filling:
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
all-purpose flour
a pinch of salt
melted butter
vanilla extract
For the frosting:
powdered sugar
milk
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and mix until a dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until the mixture forms a thick, spreadable filling.
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into even rectangles.
- Spoon a small amount of filling onto half of the rectangles, leaving a border around the edges.
- Place the remaining rectangles on top and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
- Poke small holes on top of each pop tart to allow steam to escape.
- Bake until lightly golden and cooked through.
- Let the pop tarts cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled pop tarts and allow it to set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 pop tarts.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
You can add a touch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling for a deeper spice flavor. For extra texture, mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans.
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly or skip the frosting altogether.
You can also drizzle the glaze instead of fully covering the tops for a lighter finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or oven for a few minutes to restore the flaky texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp.
They can also be frozen (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and then add fresh frosting before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pie dough can be used as a shortcut, though homemade will give a better texture.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Avoid overfilling and make sure to seal the edges well by pressing and crimping.
Can I make them without frosting?
Yes, they are still delicious without frosting, especially if you prefer less sweetness.
What type of cinnamon works best?
Ground cinnamon works perfectly, but you can experiment with different varieties for subtle flavor differences.
Why is my pastry not flaky?
This can happen if the butter gets too warm or the dough is overworked.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I know when they are done?
They should be lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch.
Can I add icing decorations?
Yes, you can drizzle extra icing or add sprinkles for a fun finish.
Can I make mini pop tarts?
Yes, simply cut smaller rectangles and reduce the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are a warm, comforting treat that brings together flaky pastry and a sweet, spiced filling. With their homemade touch and delicious glaze, they’re a delightful upgrade to a classic favorite and perfect for sharing or enjoying any time of day.
PrintFrosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Flaky, buttery pastry filled with a warm brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze, these homemade pop tarts are a cozy and nostalgic treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 pop tarts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4–6 tbsp cold water
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water gradually until a dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla to form a thick filling.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough and cut into equal rectangles.
- Spoon filling onto half of the rectangles, leaving a border.
- Top with remaining rectangles, seal edges, and crimp with a fork.
- Poke small holes on top of each pop tart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Spread glaze over cooled pop tarts and allow it to set.
Notes
- Do not overfill to prevent leaking during baking.
- Keep butter cold for a flakier pastry.
- Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Reheat in oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- Freeze unglazed pop tarts for up to 2 months.
- Add nutmeg or cloves for extra spice variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop tart
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
