Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the nostalgic taste of Pop-Tarts but wanted to skip the store-bought version, you’re in for a treat! These Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are made using refrigerated pie crust, making them incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these pop tarts are flaky, buttery, and filled with a warm, gooey brown sugar cinnamon filling. Plus, they’re topped with a simple cinnamon glaze that takes them to the next level. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe and learn how to make these irresistible homemade pop tarts.

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Why Make Homemade Pop Tarts?

Store-bought Pop-Tarts are convenient, but homemade versions are far superior in flavor and texture. By making your own, you can control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and customize the filling and glaze to your liking. Plus, using refrigerated pie crust simplifies the process, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. These Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are a crowd-pleaser and a fun project for the whole family.

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Ingredients for Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious pop tarts:

For the Pop Tarts:

• 2 (9-inch) pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing the crust)

For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons flour (to thicken the filling)
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust to taste; reduce to 1 tablespoon for a milder flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoons butter, melted (to bind the filling)

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for a light brown glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to achieve the right consistency)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. The mixture should resemble damp sand—slightly crumbly but able to hold its shape. If your brown sugar is dry, add a bit more melted butter to achieve the right consistency. Set the filling aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pop Tarts

1. Roll Out the Pie Crusts: If using store-bought pie crusts, unroll them onto a lightly floured surface. If they’re not already rolled out, use a rolling pin to flatten them slightly.
2. Cut the Crusts: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut each pie crust into rectangles (about 3×4 inches). You should get 8 rectangles from each crust, totaling 16 rectangles.
3. Brush with Butter: Place one rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush it lightly with melted butter. This helps the filling stick and adds extra flavor.
4. Add the Filling: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the brown sugar cinnamon filling onto the center of the rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Top with Second Crust: Place another rectangle of pie crust on top of the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the pop tart and creating a decorative border. Repeat with the remaining rectangles.

Step 4: Bake the Pop Tarts

Bake the pop tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Check halfway through and rotate the baking sheet if necessary to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pop tarts from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 1 hour. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from oozing out when you cut into them.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Glaze

While the pop tarts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and warm water. Start with 1 tablespoon of water and add more as needed to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too runny.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the pop tarts are completely cool, drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

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The History of Pop-Tarts and Why Homemade Versions Are Better

Pop-Tarts have been a beloved breakfast and snack item since their introduction by Kellogg’s in 1964. Originally created as a convenient, shelf-stable pastry, they quickly became a staple in American households. Over the years, Pop-Tarts have evolved with countless flavors, from classic strawberry to s’mores and even limited-edition varieties. However, while store-bought Pop-Tarts are undeniably convenient, they often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and high levels of sugar. This is where homemade pop tarts shine.

Making your own pop tarts allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier treat. By using simple, wholesome ingredients like refrigerated pie crust, real butter, and natural brown sugar, you can create a pastry that’s far superior in taste and texture. Homemade versions also offer endless customization options. Want to add a dash of nutmeg to your filling? Go for it. Prefer a vanilla glaze instead of cinnamon? No problem. The possibilities are endless, making homemade pop tarts a fun and creative baking project.

Additionally, homemade pop tarts are a great way to use up leftover pie crust. If you’ve ever made a pie and found yourself with extra dough, this recipe is the perfect solution. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also transforms something simple into a delicious treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, making homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts is a rewarding experience that brings a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor to your kitchen.

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Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Pop Tarts

Making homemade pop tarts is relatively simple, but a few tips can help you achieve bakery-quality results. First, always start with cold pie crust. If the dough becomes too soft while you’re working with it, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This makes it easier to handle and prevents the crust from tearing.

When it comes to the filling, consistency is key. The brown sugar cinnamon mixture should resemble damp sand—slightly crumbly but able to hold its shape. If your filling is too dry, add a bit more melted butter. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour. This ensures the filling stays inside the pop tarts during baking and doesn’t leak out.

Another important step is sealing the edges properly. Use a fork to press the edges of the two pie crust layers together firmly. This not only prevents the filling from escaping but also gives the pop tarts a professional, finished look. If you want to get creative, try using a decorative edge crimper or even a cookie cutter to shape the pop tarts.

Finally, don’t skip the cooling step. Letting the pop tarts cool completely before adding the glaze ensures the filling sets and the glaze doesn’t melt off. Patience is key here—waiting that extra hour makes all the difference in the final product.

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Creative Variations for Your Homemade Pop Tarts

While brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts are a classic favorite, there are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. For a fruity twist, try filling your pop tarts with strawberry or raspberry jam. Simply spread a thin layer of jam onto the pie crust before adding the top layer. You can even mix in fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.

If you’re a chocolate lover, consider a Nutella or chocolate ganache filling. For Nutella pop tarts, spread a generous layer of the hazelnut spread onto the crust, then top with the second layer. For a richer option, make a simple ganache by melting chocolate and heavy cream together, then let it cool slightly before using it as a filling.

For a savory option, skip the sweet fillings altogether and try a combination of cheese, herbs, and cooked bacon or sausage. These savory pop tarts make a great breakfast or snack for those who prefer something less sweet.

1. Store Properly: These pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the toaster when ready to eat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Using store-bought pie crust saves time and effort, making this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Customizable: You can adjust the amount of cinnamon or experiment with different fillings and glazes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These pop tarts are great for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet snack.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping assemble and decorate these pop tarts, making it a fun family activity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Homemade Pie Crust?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pie crust, go for it. Just make sure it’s rolled out to about 1/8-inch thickness.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the pop tarts and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Alternatively, bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze These Pop Tarts?

Definitely. Once baked and cooled, wrap the pop tarts individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven when ready to eat.

What Can I Use Instead of Cinnamon Glaze?

If you’re not a fan of cinnamon glaze, try a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk) or a chocolate glaze (powdered sugar + cocoa powder + milk).

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Final Thoughts

These Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With their flaky crust, sweet cinnamon filling, and irresistible glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is a winner. So grab your pie crust and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!