If you’re a fan of pop tarts but want to enjoy a homemade version without all the fuss, you’re in for a treat! These homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also offer a delightful twist on the classic store-bought version. The secret? Store-bought pie dough. It’s a simple shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe and a few tips to ensure your pop tarts turn out perfectly every time.
Recipe tips
- Store-Bought Dough Saves Time: Using store-bought pie dough cuts down on prep time without sacrificing the flaky, buttery texture that makes pop tarts so irresistible. I prefer this method but you can also use homemade pie dough if you prefer!
- Seal Well: Make sure to press the edges firmly with a fork to avoid any filling from spilling out. The egg wash also helps create a strong seal and gives the crust a nice golden color.
- Perfect Glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk. For a more even application, you can dip the tops of the pop tarts directly into the glaze instead of drizzling, but I love the handmade look spreading it on provides.
- Freezer-Friendly: These pop tarts freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, just pop them in a toaster or warm them in the oven. These can be frozen for up to 3 months. To ensure they stay fresh, wrap each pop tart individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a toaster or oven until warmed through.
- Pans & Clean Up: I always bake with parchment paper, simply because it makes for such an easy cleanup! You want to seal these so they don’t explode but inevitably some of the filling will ooze out. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so it doesn’t make a huge mess!
Homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts are a nostalgic treat with a homemade twist that’s sure to impress. They’re easy to make, especially with the help of store-bought pie dough, and perfect for a sweet breakfast or an afternoon snack. Give them a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon in every bite!
Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Ingredients
For the pop tarts:
- 1 box store bough pie dough with 2 shells
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp milk
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-5 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
For the pop tarts:
- Preheat the oven to 400° and allow the store-bought pie dough to sit at room temp for 15 minutes. You want it to be soft enough to roll out but not too warm. Lightly flour your countertop and gently roll the pie dough out. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut each sheet into an 8×9 inch rectangle. Proceed to cut 6 4×3 rectangles out of each. This should produce 12 even rectangles.
- In a small bowl beat the egg and milk to create an egg wash. In a medium bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, melted butter and vanilla extract. It should resemble the texture of wet sand.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash over 6 of the rectangles. Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of filling into the center of the egg washed dough, leaving about ¼ inch around the edges without any filling. Place another rectangle on top, gently pressing down the edges to seal.
- Use a fork to poke a few holes in the top of the dough, as well as crimp the edges. Brush the entire top and sides with egg wash and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through. Allow to cool completely before icing.
For the icing:
- In a medium sized bowl whisk together all of the dry ingredients. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk and whisk. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. Spread on top and serve!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RECIPE! I made it for valentine’s day for my boyfriend and he loooooved it! I made them into cute little hearts. So so cute … and yummy!
Such a great recipe! It’s a family favorite now!