Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into warm, flaky, buttery pastries bursting with sweet, spicy cinnamon and rich brown sugar, then you are going to fall head over heels for these Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts. This recipe captures everything you love about the classic childhood treat but elevates it with a homemade touch that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible. The golden crust crumbles just right, the filling sings with cinnamon warmth, and the glaze adds a glossy, sweet finish. Once you try these Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts, store-bought versions will be a thing of the past.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential for crafting the perfect pop tart experience. Each component works harmoniously—from the flaky crust to the gooey cinnamon filling and shiny glaze—to create a balanced delight in every bite.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of the crust, providing structure and tenderness when handled just right.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough and filling.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the buttery richness in the crust.
• Unsalted butter (chilled and cubed): The secret to that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust everyone dreams about.
• Cold water: Brings the dough together without warming the butter too much, ensuring flakiness.
• Brown sugar: Central to the luscious filling, providing deep caramel notes that pair perfectly with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon: The signature warm spice that makes these pop tarts truly unforgettable.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant depth to the filling and glaze.
• Melted butter: Blended into the filling for extra richness and smooth texture.
• Egg yolk: Used for sealing the edges to keep all that delicious filling inside.
• Milk: Helps create the perfect consistency for the glaze and balances the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the glaze a smooth, luscious finish that hardens beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Step 1: Make the Flaky Dough

Start by pulsing together the flour, salt, sugar, and cold butter in a food processor until the butter pieces resemble peas—that little texture is what will turn into layers of flakiness. Then stream in the cold water carefully, pulsing as you go, so the dough just comes together without becoming wet or sticky. Gently knead it into a ball on a lightly floured surface; be delicate to avoid toughening the dough. Divide it in half, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours—this rest time is crucial for the perfect crust consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

While the dough chills, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl. This mixture will bubble with warmth and sweet spice that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. The flour helps thicken the filling, so it stays put inside your pop tarts while baking.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

Once chilled, roll each half into a thin, roughly 14-by-14-inch square on a well-floured surface. Aim for about ⅛ inch thick so the dough remains delicate but strong enough to hold the filling. Cut the dough into rectangles about 3.5-by-4.75 inches—two for each pop tart—using a sharp knife, bench scraper, or pizza cutter. Don’t forget to re-roll any scraps to minimize waste.

Step 4: Assemble the Pop Tarts

Spoon a little over a tablespoon of the brown sugar cinnamon filling onto half of the rectangles, spreading it thinly and leaving about a ⅓ inch border clear of filling. Brush the edges with beaten egg yolk to help the top layer seal beautifully. Dock the top rectangles with a fork or skewer to prevent bubbling, then carefully place them over the filling. Press edges together gently but firmly and crimp with a fork for that charming homemade look. Trim edges with a bench scraper for neatness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pop tarts on a parchment-lined sheet pan and pop them in a 300˚F oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust just begins to take on a light golden hue. The bottoms should also have a slight tan color. Let them cool slightly while you get ready for the final flourish—the glaze.

Step 6: Make and Apply the Glaze

Whisk together butter, brown sugar, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and immediately mix in vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Work quickly to spread the glaze over the warm pop tarts so it sets perfectly with a smooth, shiny finish. If needed, gently warm the glaze again to loosen it for easy spreading.

How to Serve Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Garnishes

For a little extra flair and texture, sprinkle your pop tarts with a pinch of flaky sea salt before adding the glaze—sweet meets savory in the best way. You can also dust them with a tiny bit of powdered sugar or a light shake of cinnamon to make them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These pop tarts are fabulous on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns breakfast into a decadent treat. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea makes a perfect companion to balance the sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some whimsy to your table by serving these Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts with fresh fruit slices like apples or pears for a fall-inspired vibe. Or, cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters before baking for a playful twist that kids and adults will love equally.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to stretch that enjoyment a bit longer, pop them into the fridge where they’ll stay good for about 6 days. Just be sure to glaze them right before serving if you stored them unglazed.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze homemade pop tarts! For the best results, freeze them unfrosted in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a sweet snack, thaw them at room temperature and add the glaze fresh for that perfect finish.

Reheating

To bring your pop tarts back to life, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A quick reheat restores their flaky, buttery goodness almost like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour to make these pop tarts?

While this recipe hasn’t been tested extensively with gluten-free flours, you can give it a try using a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind the texture might not be quite as flaky and tender, but the cinnamon and brown sugar filling will still shine.

How long does the glaze stay fresh?

The glaze sets quickly and will stay fresh for a day or two when stored at room temperature. If you plan to store the pop tarts longer, it’s best to keep them unglazed and add the glaze just before serving.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough actually benefits from chilling, so you can prepare it a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to a cool temperature before rolling out to ensure ease of handling.

What if my dough is too sticky when rolling out?

Don’t panic—this happens! Just generously flour your surface and the dough itself, and if it’s still too soft or stretchy, pop it into the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the butter. That will make rolling much easier.

Can I use any type of cinnamon for the filling?

Ceylon cinnamon is often considered the best for its delicate, sweet flavor, but ground cassia cinnamon that you probably have on hand works beautifully here. Feel free to experiment with what you love!

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are truly a labor of love that pay off with every flaky, cinnamon-sweet bite. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy weekend morning or surprising family and friends, this recipe offers joy and deliciousness in every step. Give them a try—you’ll find that the magic of homemade can’t be beat.