Description
These Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts offer a nostalgic breakfast treat with a delightful twist. Featuring a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for a cozy morning or a fun weekend baking project. Made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients, these pop tarts bring a homemade touch to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
- Pinch of salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until thick and spreadable. Set aside.
- Roll and Assemble the Pop Tarts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into rectangles approximately 3×4 inches in size. Place half of the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the cinnamon filling onto these rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Seal the Pop Tarts: Brush the edges of the filled rectangles with a little water, then place the remaining dough rectangles on top. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Prick the tops a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pop tarts for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the pop tarts bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the pop tarts are cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and water are very cold to achieve a flaky pastry texture.
- The cornstarch in the filling helps prevent leaking by thickening the sugar mixture.
- Pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with vegan alternatives.