There’s just something utterly magical about baking a batch of Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts in your own kitchen—the aroma alone is enough to make anyone weak at the knees! These golden-baked pastries embrace everything we love about the classic treat but with a tender, buttery crust and that warm, cinnamon-spiced filling you only get from scratch. Whether you’re craving nostalgia or simply want more control over what goes in your breakfast pastry, Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are the ultimate breakfast (or anytime!) indulgence. Flaky, sweet, and iced with a dreamy cinnamon-vanilla glaze, they’ll bring out the kid in you and impress every guest at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts starts with a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and irresistible presentation. Trust me, it’s worth gathering the best you can find—you’ll taste the difference in every bite!
- All-purpose flour: Your pop tart’s sturdy-yet-tender base; sift for extra flaky crust!
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch in the dough adds subtle sweetness without overpowering the filling.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the flavors in your pastry.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The foundation of a super flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust—work it in cold for best results.
- Ice water: Helps the dough come together without melting the butter; keep it nice and cold for perfect texture.
- Brown sugar (packed): Ensures a soft, caramel-like sweetness at the heart of every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, giving that signature warmth and aroma in both filling and frosting.
- All-purpose flour (for filling): A tiny bit here keeps the filling thick and creamy rather than runny.
- Large egg (beaten): Acts as an egg wash to bind and add a beautiful golden color to the crust.
- Powdered sugar: The silky base for a smooth, sweet frosting.
- Milk: Thins the frosting to just the right drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A splash infuses the icing with rich, aromatic flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (for frosting): Doubles up on spice and takes the glaze over the top.
How to Make Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Step 1: Mix the Pie Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, and salt in a roomy mixing bowl. This combination sets the stage for a perfectly balanced crust. Next, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork—it should look like coarse, sandy crumbs. Gradually drizzle in the ice water (trust your instincts here; add just enough for the dough to come together), mix gently, then divide and shape into two discs. Wrap both in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—this chilling time is key for flaky layers.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
While your dough chills, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of flour in a small bowl. This pop tart filling isn’t just sweet; that touch of flour keeps it dreamy and thick inside your pastry, rather than dissolving into a syrupy mess.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once chilled, roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Take a sharp knife or pizza wheel and cut out rectangles roughly 3×4 inches—these are the perfect size for classic Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts. Repeat with your second disc.
Step 4: Assemble the Pop Tarts
Line a baking sheet with parchment, then lay out half your dough rectangles. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg; this acts as natural glue. Spoon a generous tablespoon of filling right in the center, then cap each one with another pastry rectangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal, and don’t forget a few vent holes in the top—this keeps them neat and prevents bursting!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Give your assembled pop tarts a final brush of egg wash on top for a beautiful golden finish. Slide them into a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re gorgeously golden and the whole kitchen smells like a fresh bakery!
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Let your pop tarts cool completely before frosting—this ensures the glaze sets up beautifully. For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a little cinnamon until smooth and pourable. Drizzle or spread it on each cooled tart, then let them sit until the frosting is set. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Garnishes
Add a little flair just before serving: a sprinkle of cinnamon over the frosting or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can make Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts extra special. For a festive look, a few gold sugar pearls or a drizzle of white chocolate are also crowd-pleasers!
Side Dishes
Pair your pop tarts with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or a cozy latte for a breakfast that feels like a treat. They also make a whimsical dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steamy mug of spiced chai on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few on a rustic platter for brunch, or wrap them in parchment and tie with twine for an adorable take-home gift. Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are also fantastic for packing in lunchboxes, or serving at a breakfast-for-dinner party—watch as everyone lights up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay deliciously tender, and the flavors actually deepen slightly overnight, making tomorrow’s breakfast something to look forward to!
Freezing
Unfrosted pop tarts freeze like a dream! Let baked but unfrosted tarts cool, then wrap each one in plastic and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just let thaw, frost, and enjoy!
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, warm pop tarts in a toaster oven for a few minutes. If you’re reheating frosted ones, use low heat and keep an eye on the icing—it may melt just slightly but still tastes amazing!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade dough gives the ultimate flavor and texture, a high-quality store-bought pie crust can be a great shortcut for busy mornings, making these Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts just as tasty and much faster.
Can I make these pop tarts gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in both the dough and the filling. Just keep an eye on the texture and add a bit more water if needed to bring the dough together.
Do I have to use an egg wash?
An egg wash gives the pop tarts that beautiful golden sheen and helps seal the edges, but you can substitute milk or cream for a similar effect if you prefer egg-free.
Can I make smaller or larger pop tarts?
Definitely! Feel free to cut the dough into mini tarts for bite-sized treats or go bigger for a heartier portion. Just adjust the baking time up or down as needed—smaller tarts bake faster, so keep a close watch.
What’s the best way to store leftover Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts?
Once cooled, store in an airtight tin or container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted pop tarts and frost when ready to eat for the freshest results.
Final Thoughts
There’s real joy in making Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts from scratch—each gooey, fragrant bite is a little celebration! Whether you’re reliving breakfast memories or starting a new kitchen tradition, you’ll absolutely love sharing (and eating) these. So grab your rolling pin and surprise your loved ones or yourself with a homemade treat that’s a thousand times better than anything from a box!
Print
Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 pop tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the joy of making your own Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts. These breakfast pastries are a delightful treat filled with a sweet, spiced filling and topped with a vanilla-cinnamon frosting.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup ice water
Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Additional:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)
Instructions
- Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Roll out dough, cut into rectangles, place filling, seal, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Frosting: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Spread over cooled pop tarts.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a toaster-style experience, briefly reheat in a toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop tart
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
