These Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts are flaky, buttery, and filled with a deliciously spiced brown sugar filling. Unlike store-bought versions, these pop-tarts have a perfectly crisp pastry crust and a rich cinnamon glaze that sets beautifully. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, these homemade pop-tarts are a nostalgic favorite made even better!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
½ cup cold water

For the Filling:

¾ cup brown sugar
2 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ tablespoons melted butter
1 egg yolk (for sealing)

For the Glaze:

4 tablespoons butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½-⅔ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Make the Dough:

In a food processor, pulse together flour, salt, sugar, and butter until the butter pieces are pea-sized.
Slowly stream in cold water, pulsing as you go, until the dough begins to come together.
Transfer to a floured surface, knead gently into a ball, and divide into two equal halves.
Wrap each half in plastic wrap, flatten into ½-inch thick rectangles, and chill for 1-2 hours.

Prepare the Filling:

In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.

Assemble the Pop-Tarts:

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out one piece of chilled dough into a 14×14-inch square on a floured surface. Cut into 3.5×4.75-inch rectangles.
Repeat with the second dough half. Gather and re-roll scraps to make additional rectangles.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling onto half of the rectangles, spreading it thinly and leaving a ⅓-inch border.
Beat an egg yolk and brush around the edges. Place another rectangle on top, press down, and crimp the edges with a fork.
Dock the tops with a fork or skewer to allow steam to escape.

Bake the Pop-Tarts:

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool before glazing.

Make the Glaze:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, whisking until sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
Spread over pop-tarts immediately, as the glaze sets quickly.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate, 1 Pop-Tart)

Calories: 510 kcal
Carbohydrates: 58.6g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 29g
Sodium: 325mg
Sugar: 26.8g
Fiber: 1.5g

These homemade pop-tarts are flaky, sweet, and packed with warm cinnamon goodness—perfect for a homemade breakfast treat or nostalgic snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky, Buttery Pastry: The homemade dough creates a crisp, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
Rich Cinnamon Sugar Filling: A warm, spiced center that’s packed with brown sugar and cinnamon for a deep, caramelized flavor.
Sweet Cinnamon Glaze: A luscious glaze that sets beautifully, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
Better than Store-Bought: No artificial flavors or preservatives—just real, homemade goodness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These pop-tarts store well and can be toasted for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.

The Secret to a Perfectly Flaky Pastry

One of the key elements that make these homemade pop-tarts superior to store-bought ones is the handmade pastry dough. Achieving that light, crisp texture requires attention to detail, but it’s easier than you think!

Use Cold Butter: Chilled butter is essential to creating those flaky layers. When the cold butter melts in the oven, it releases steam, which forms little air pockets in the dough—resulting in a crispy, flaky texture.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Too much kneading can develop gluten, making the dough tough rather than tender. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Chill the Dough: Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps relax the gluten and firms up the butter, making it easier to roll out.
Use a Light Touch When Rolling: Roll the dough gently and evenly to prevent it from becoming too dense.

The Perfect Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

The filling for these pop-tarts is simple yet incredibly flavorful. A combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a warm and caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the crisp pastry. The addition of a little flour and melted butter helps bind the mixture, ensuring that it stays in place during baking rather than oozing out.

How to Get a Golden, Crisp Finish

To achieve the perfect texture, these pop-tarts are baked at a low temperature (300°F) to allow the crust to cook thoroughly without browning too quickly. Additionally, brushing the edges with egg yolk before sealing helps create a tight bond between the layers, preventing any filling from leaking out.

Another crucial step is docking the top of the pastry—this means piercing small holes in the top layer with a fork or skewer. These small vents allow steam to escape, preventing the pop-tarts from puffing up too much or cracking.

The Sweet Cinnamon Glaze: The Icing on the Cake

No pop-tart is complete without a delicious glaze! This homemade version is made with butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon, creating a rich and smooth topping.

To ensure a perfectly set glaze, follow these tips:

Apply While Warm: The glaze will set quickly, so it’s best to spread it while the pop-tarts are still slightly warm.
Use a Spoon or Brush: A spoon works well for a thick glaze, while a pastry brush can create a more even, smooth coating.
Let Them Cool Before Serving: The glaze hardens as it cools, creating a delightful texture that complements the crisp pastry.

Ways to Customize Your Homemade Pop-Tarts

While the classic brown sugar cinnamon flavor is a favorite, this recipe is highly versatile. Here are some ways you can customize your pop-tarts:

Add a Fruity Twist: Spread a thin layer of apple butter or mashed bananas under the brown sugar cinnamon filling for extra flavor.
Make It Chocolatey: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside for a gooey, chocolate-cinnamon treat.
Use a Different Glaze: Try a vanilla or maple glaze instead of the cinnamon version.
Create a Nutty Filling: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar mixture for a nutty crunch.

Serving and Storing Homemade Pop-Tarts

These pop-tarts taste best when served warm—either fresh from the oven or toasted later. They also store well, making them a great make-ahead breakfast option.

Storing at Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the toaster oven for the best texture.
Freezing for Later: Freeze unglazed pop-tarts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply bake at 300°F for a few minutes or toast until warm.

Are Homemade Pop-Tarts Healthier Than Store-Bought?

While these homemade pop-tarts are still an indulgent treat, they are much healthier than the processed versions found in stores.

No Artificial Preservatives: Unlike commercial pop-tarts, which contain additives and preservatives, these are made with real, whole ingredients.
Lower in Sugar: Store-bought pop-tarts contain excessive amounts of added sugar. By making them at home, you can control the sweetness and reduce the sugar if desired.
Better Quality Ingredients: With real butter, fresh eggs, and natural flavors, homemade pop-tarts provide a richer and more satisfying taste.

A Fun Baking Project for All Ages

Making homemade pop-tarts is a fun and rewarding baking project that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re baking with kids or trying out a new weekend treat, this recipe is simple and satisfying. The process of rolling, filling, sealing, and glazing makes it an interactive experience, and the results are absolutely worth it.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about biting into a warm brown sugar cinnamon pop-tart, but making them from scratch elevates the experience to a whole new level. With a flaky, buttery crust, a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, and a rich, smooth glaze, these pop-tarts are a treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, toasted with a hot cup of coffee, or as an afternoon snack, these homemade pop-tarts bring back childhood memories with a touch of homemade magic. Best of all, they’re free from artificial ingredients, completely customizable, and so much tastier than store-bought versions.

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