Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe Homemade and Better Than Store Bought

There’s something deeply comforting about brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts. The warm spice, the buttery pastry, and that familiar sweetness instantly bring back childhood memories, much like other nostalgic homemade treats such as these Brown Sugar Pop Tarts that capture classic flavors with a from-scratch twist.

These homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts are flaky on the outside, soft and gooey in the center, and finished with a simple vanilla glaze that melts into every bite. They feel familiar yet special, simple yet indulgent, similar to the cozy satisfaction of baking Homemade Pop Tarts when you want something comforting and fun.

Unlike store-bought versions, this recipe focuses on real butter, balanced sweetness, and a pastry that actually tastes homemade. If you enjoy experimenting with from-scratch baking projects, recipes like Homemade Sourdough Pop Tarts show just how versatile and rewarding homemade pastries can be.

Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

These brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts are everything a homemade treat should be. They’re comforting, customizable, and incredibly rewarding to make, especially if you already enjoy baking breakfast pastries such as Sourdough Pasta or other dough-based recipes.

They taste noticeably better than packaged pop tarts, with a buttery pastry and a filling that’s warm and rich instead of overly sweet or artificial.

The recipe is beginner-friendly, broken into clear steps that guide you through the process without feeling overwhelming or complicated.

You can easily adjust the filling, glaze, or size to suit your preferences, making each batch feel personal and homemade.

They’re also budget-friendly, using simple pantry ingredients to create a batch that feels bakery-worthy at a fraction of the cost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

For the Pastry Dough

All-purpose flour for structure and tenderness
Granulated sugar to lightly sweeten the dough
Salt to balance flavors
Cold unsalted butter for flaky layers
Ice-cold water to bring the dough together
Egg for sealing and brushing the pastry

For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

Brown sugar for deep, caramel-like sweetness
Ground cinnamon for warmth and spice
All-purpose flour to thicken the filling
A pinch of salt to balance sweetness

For the Glaze

Powdered sugar for a smooth finish
Milk or cream to adjust consistency
Vanilla extract for classic flavor

Optional toppings like sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon can be added for extra texture and visual appeal, similar to how simple finishes elevate baked snacks like Sourdough Discard Crackers.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Preparing the Pastry Dough

Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour until the mixture looks crumbly with visible pieces of butter, a technique also used when making flaky doughs such as Sourdough Cheese Crackers.

Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking it. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap, and refrigerate until firm. Chilling helps relax the dough and keeps the butter cold for the best texture.

Making the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough chills, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth and evenly colored. The flour helps absorb moisture so the filling stays thick and gooey instead of leaking during baking. Set aside until ready to assemble.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Roll one portion of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until thin and even. Cut into rectangles of equal size so the pop tarts bake evenly. Transfer the pieces to a lined baking sheet and keep them cool while you repeat with the second portion of dough.

Assembling the Pop Tarts

Brush egg wash around the edges of half the rectangles. Spoon a small amount of filling into the center, leaving space around the edges. Place another rectangle on top and press gently to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork and poke small holes in the top to allow steam to escape.

Chill the assembled pop tarts briefly before baking to help them hold their shape.

Baking Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven until the pop tarts are lightly golden and firm. Let them cool completely before glazing, just as you would allow baked goods like Cherry Crumb Pie to set before finishing touches.

Making the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to spread easily. Spoon or drizzle it over the cooled pop tarts and let it set before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

Cold butter creates steam in the oven, which forms flaky layers in the pastry. Minimal handling keeps the dough tender rather than tough.

The flour in the filling absorbs excess moisture, giving you a soft, thick center that stays inside the pastry.

Chilling at different stages helps maintain structure, making the pop tarts easier to handle and more reliable to bake.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Measure flour accurately to avoid dry dough.
Keep the dough cold whenever possible.
Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
Seal edges firmly and vent the tops.
Always let pop tarts cool before glazing.

These small details make a big difference in the final texture and appearance.

Flavor Variations to Try

You can easily adapt this recipe to create new flavors. Add a touch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth. Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice in the fall. Use a maple glaze instead of vanilla for a deeper sweetness. Each variation keeps the same flaky base while offering something new.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Store unfrosted pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Frosted versions keep slightly longer thanks to the glaze. You can also freeze unglazed pop tarts and toast them straight from the freezer for a fresh-baked feel.

The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, making it easy to spread the process over two days.

Common Problems and Easy Fixes

If filling leaks out, use less filling and seal edges more firmly.

If the pastry feels tough, the dough may have been overworked.

If pop tarts look pale, bake a little longer until golden.

If glaze runs off, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Enjoy them warm with coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast. Serve them as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit. For dessert, pair with vanilla ice cream and let the filling melt slightly. They’re also perfect for packing as a homemade treat on busy days, just like portable baked goods such as Strawberry Banana Pudding.

Final Thoughts

These brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts prove that homemade versions of classic favorites are always worth the effort. With flaky pastry, a warmly spiced filling, and a smooth vanilla glaze, they deliver comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite.

Once you try them from scratch, it’s hard to go back. This recipe isn’t just about baking pop tarts, it’s about creating something familiar, comforting, and truly delicious in your own kitchen.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are a homemade version of the classic toaster pastry, made with a flaky buttery crust and a warm, sweet brown sugar cinnamon filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these pop tarts taste fresher and richer than store-bought ones and can be baked or toasted to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Rest Time 15

Total Time 1

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 Pop Tarts

Calories 320 kcal