Go Back
+ servings

Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

This homemade Pop-Tart copycat recipe brings back all the nostalgia of the classic toaster pastry but made completely from scratch with buttery, flaky pastry and a gooey brown sugar filling. Each tart is sealed, baked until golden, and finished with a spiced maple-cinnamon icing that sets into a sweet, glossy glaze. They’re cozy, indulgent, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a box.
Prep Time1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Yields8 Pop Tarts
Servings8 Pop Tarts

Ingredients

PIE CRUST

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (2 sticks)
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup ice cold water

BROWN SUGAR FILLING

  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

EGG WASH

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream

ICING

  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions 

MAKING THE DOUGH

  1. In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt to combine.
  2. Add cold cubed butter; pulse until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Drizzle in the ice water and pulse just until the dough looks pebbly but holds when pressed.
  4. Divide dough into 2 equal sections, wrap each tightly in the shape of a disc, and chill for 1 hour.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll each section to 1/8–1/4 inch thick (the thinner the better) into around 13 x 11 inch rectangle; trim edges to make it even.
  6. Cut each rectangle into 8 smaller rectangular pieces (about 3 x 4.5 inches) for 16 total.

PREPARING THE FILLING

  1. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.

PREPARING THE ICING

  1. Brown butter (optional): Melt butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat, stirring, until it foams and turns golden with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and cool slightly. (You can also use regular melted butter.)
  2. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, brown butter (or melted butter), cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY & BAKING

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Arrange 8 dough rectangles spaced apart.
  2. Add about 2 tablespoons of filling to each, spreading flat and leaving clean edges.
  3. Whisk egg and cream for the egg wash. Brush edges of each bottom rectangle.
  4. Top with another rectangle, press to seal, and crimp edges with a fork.
  5. Poke holes across the tops with a fork for steam vents. Brush tops with egg wash.
  6. Chill the assembled Pop-Tarts in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes on the baking sheet. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
  7. Bake 20 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Transfer pop tarts to a cooling rack and let cool 10 to 15 minutes, then cover tops with icing. Allow to set before serving.

Notes

Q: Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of homemade?
A: Yes! Store-bought works in a pinch, though homemade dough gives you a flakier, richer pastry.
Q: What if I don’t have a food processor?
A: No problem — you can make the dough by hand. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs, then mix in the ice water with a spoon until it comes together.
Q: Do I have to brown the butter for the icing?
A: Nope — it’s optional. Brown butter adds a nutty depth, but regular melted butter works just as well.
Q: Can I make these Pop-Tarts ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble them a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. They can also be baked and frozen — just reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
Q: Can I use different fillings?
A: Absolutely! Try strawberry jam, Nutella, apple cinnamon, or even peanut butter for a fun twist.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.