Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Recipe with Flaky Crust

Benefits and Advantages of brown sugar cinnamon pop tart

This brown sugar cinnamon pop tart recipe offers a delightful combination of simplicity and taste, making it accessible to bakers of all levels. The easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward preparation steps enable home cooks to create a comforting treat reminiscent of classic pastries. The warm, sweet flavor from the brown sugar and cinnamon filling is balanced perfectly by the flaky, buttery crust, delivering both texture and taste.

From a nutritional standpoint, opting for whole grain flours or natural sweeteners can add value while reducing refined sugar intake. Its moderate portion size aids in mindful indulgence. The recipe’s flexibility allows for customizing dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free alternatives, expanding its appeal audience. Additionally, homemade pop tarts bring nostalgia with a fresh, wholesome spin, encouraging joyful cooking and sharing around the table. This recipe is well-suited for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy dessert and serves as a wonderful introduction to making pastries at home.

Essential Ingredients for brown sugar cinnamon pop tart

2 ½ cups (about 312 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
½ cup (120 ml) ice water, plus more if needed
½ cup (packed, about 110 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for filling)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional for filling richness)
1 large egg (for egg wash)
2 teaspoons milk or water (for egg wash)
¾ cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for glaze)
1 tablespoon milk, plus more to adjust consistency (for glaze)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze)
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for glaze)

These ingredients form the foundation of the pop tart’s flaky crust, sweet and warmly spiced filling, and delicate cinnamon-flavored glaze. Substitutions can adapt this list for dietary needs such as vegan butter replacements or gluten-free flour blends.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your brown sugar cinnamon pop tart

For those wanting to accommodate specific dietary preferences, this brown sugar cinnamon pop tart recipe offers easy modification options.

Vegan Options: Replace traditional unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. For the egg wash, use a mixture of water and cornstarch or plant-based milk to help seal and brown the crust.
Gluten-Free Variations: Swap all-purpose flour with certified gluten-free flour blends almond, rice, or oat flour blends work well to keep the pastry tender.
Natural Sweeteners: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in the filling or glaze in place of brown sugar or granulated sugar. For low-calorie alternatives, consider erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener to manage sweetness without adding sugar.
Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives: Substitute milk in the glaze and egg wash with almond, soy, or oat milk for a creamy finish while keeping the recipe dairy-free.

These substitutions help maintain the texture and flavor of the pop tarts while making the recipe inclusive and adaptable.

How to Prepare the Perfect brown sugar cinnamon pop tart: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces.
Add Ice Water: Gradually mix in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, then divide the dough into two discs. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to rest.
Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll one dough disc into a 9×12-inch rectangle approximately 1/8 inch thick. Trim edges and cut into nine 3×4 inch rectangles. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate. Repeat with second dough disc.
Make Filling: Combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir until crumbly and slightly clumping like wet sand.
Assemble Pop Tarts: Brush one set of dough rectangles lightly with egg wash. Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the cinnamon filling onto each, leaving a ¼ inch border. Brush edges with egg wash, top with remaining dough rectangles, seal edges by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork. Poke small vent holes on top.
Chill: Place assembled pop tarts uncovered in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to 1 hour to relax the dough and secure seals.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush tops with remaining egg wash, bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and puffed.
Cool and Glaze: Allow pop tarts to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Prepare glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled tarts and let set for about 1 hour before serving.

Chilling the dough before and after assembling is a crucial step to prevent shrinking and to achieve flaky layers in your pop tarts.

For detailed pastry guidance, you can check Tips for perfect pie crust and pastry dough. Additionally, inspired recipes like How to make homemade pop tarts offer further baking insights.

Advanced Tips and Variations

For perfectly flaky brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts, always use cold or even frozen butter chunks when making the dough. This cold fat creates layers in the pastry that puff beautifully when baked. Letting the dough rest in the fridge before rolling helps relax gluten, improving texture and making it easier to handle. For a more complex spice profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon in the filling.

Switch up the filling by combining brown sugar cinnamon with applesauce or diced dried fruits like raisins for extra moisture and flavor depth. For a richer crust, add a tablespoon of shortening mixed with the butter. You can also experiment with alternative toppings such as a caramel drizzle or a chocolate glaze instead of the traditional cinnamon glaze. Pressing chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top adds a delightful crunch. Lastly, air-fry instead of baking for a quicker cook time and unique crispness.

How to Store brown sugar cinnamon pop tart: Best Practices

Once baked and cooled completely, store brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts in an airtight container. At room temperature, they remain fresh and tender for up to two days. Refrigeration extends their shelf life to about a week while maintaining texture and flavor. Be sure to keep the container sealed tightly to prevent the pop tarts from absorbing other odors or drying out.

For longer-term storage, freezing is ideal. Wrap individual pop tarts in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without loss of flavor. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and briefly warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving as this softens the crust, making it less enjoyable. These storage tips help keep your pop tarts tasting fresh whether served right away or saved for later enjoyment.

Nutritional Value of brown sugar cinnamon pop tart

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)
Calories	250-300 kcal
Total Fat	8-12 g
Protein	3-5 g
Carbohydrates	35-40 g
Sugars	15-20 g
Dietary Fiber	2-4 g (varies depending on flour used)
Sodium	150-250 mg

These pop tarts provide a balance of carbohydrates and fat, mostly from the buttery crust and brown sugar filling. Protein content is moderate due to the flour and any dairy or egg based additions. The warm spices add flavor without additional calories. Using whole grain or gluten-free flours can increase fiber content. Adjusting sweeteners and using vegan butter can reduce calories or fat content for dietary needs. Overall, they make a comforting treat with nutritional considerations depending on ingredient choices.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About brown sugar cinnamon pop tart

Can I reheat brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts in a toaster safely?

It’s not recommended to reheat homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts in a regular toaster because their filling can leak and cause a mess. Instead, warm them in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. A toaster oven can also work if you watch them closely to prevent burning. This method helps maintain the crust’s texture without melting the filling excessively.

How long should I let brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts cool before adding icing?

Allow your pop tarts to cool completely, ideally for at least one hour at room temperature, before frosting. This prevents the icing from melting or becoming runny, ensuring it sets with a smooth, firm finish similar to store-bought versions. For best results, you can even cool them overnight before glazing.

Can I freeze brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts before or after baking?

Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked pop tarts. Freeze the unbaked assembled pop tarts on a tray first, then transfer them to a sealed bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Baked pop tarts (without icing) also freeze well for up to three months. Iced pop tarts can be frozen, but reheating may soften the icing.

What are some good alternative fillings for brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts?

Besides the classic brown sugar cinnamon filling, you can try spreads like apple butter, Nutella, or fruit preserves such as strawberry or raspberry jam. These alternatives add different flavors while keeping the pop tarts moist and delicious. Just spread about a tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center of the dough before sealing.

What can I use instead of egg wash when making brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts?

If you need an egg-free option for the wash, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to brush on the crust. This mixture helps seal the edges and create a slight sheen similar to egg wash. However, egg wash provides the best browning and helps the filling stick to the dough, so use alternatives only if necessary.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Recipe with Flaky Crust and Sweet Glaze

Author: Valentina Lewis
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 18 pop tarts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

🥧 Treat yourself to these delicious Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts, featuring a perfectly flaky crust and warm, spiced filling.
🍽 Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these homemade delights bring nostalgic flavors with a sweet glaze topping.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough just comes together. Form into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. On a floured surface, roll one dough disc into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Trim and cut into nine 3×4-inch rectangles. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate. Repeat with the second disc.
3. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter for the filling.
4. Brush dough rectangles with egg wash. Place filling in the center of each, leave a border, cover with a second dough piece. Seal edges by crimping with a fork. Poke holes to vent steam.
5. Chill pop tarts on the baking sheet for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush tops with egg wash. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
7. Cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla for glaze. Spread over cooled pop tarts. Allow to set for about 1 hour before serving.

Notes

🧈 Use cold butter to ensure your crust turns out flaky.
❄️ Chill your dough well before rolling to make it easier to handle and to enhance texture.
🥄 Avoid overfilling to keep the delicious filling from leaking out.

Prep Time: 3 hours
Chill time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pop tart
Calories: 270
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Pop Tart, Flaky Crust