Pop Tart Cookies

These pop tart cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of classic toaster pastries into a soft, chewy cookie form. Perfect for when you want something sweet with a fun twist, this recipe blends simple ingredients into a treat that feels both familiar and fresh.

I first made these cookies when I wanted to surprise my kids with a new twist on their favorite breakfast treat. Now they ask for them at every gathering because they love the surprise bits of Pop Tarts baked inside.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Butter: softened, for a rich base and tender crumb make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing
• Cream cheese: for a slight tang and creaminess that lifts the cookie flavor
• Sugar: provides sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges
• Corn syrup: helps retain moisture and adds a subtle chewiness
• Egg: binds everything together and adds structure
• Flour: is the main structure all-purpose flour works well here
• Baking soda: for just enough lift and lightness
• Salt: to balance the sweetness and enhance other flavors
• Pop Tarts: divided to mix inside the batter and decorate on top choose your favorite flavor, but fruity options give a nice contrast
• Powdered sugar: to dust and add a light sweetness to the finishing glaze
• Water: to create the glaze with the powdered sugar, giving a delicate sheen and extra sweetness

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a consistent baking temperature. This will give the cookies a perfect soft texture with lightly golden edges.

Cream the Fats and Sugar:

In a stand mixer, blend the softened butter and cream cheese until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture. This usually takes about two minutes at medium speed. Then add the sugar and corn syrup and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will incorporate air for a tender result.

Add the Egg:

Crack in the egg and mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to maintain the right texture.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overworking the dough.

Fold in the Chopped Pop Tarts:

Coarsely chop six of the Pop Tarts. Gently fold them into the batter so you have bits of sweet filling and crust distributed throughout the dough.

Shape the Cookies:

Scoop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your palm to gently press each mound down to about half an inch thick. This ensures even baking and the ideal cookie thickness.

Add the Topping:

Chop the remaining Pop Tarts into smaller pieces and press them into the tops of each cookie. This gives a nice colorful touch and a bit more flavor on every bite.

Bake and Cool:

Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just start turning a light golden brown. The centers will look soft but they firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.

Create the Glaze:

Mix the powdered sugar with water until smooth and glossy but thick enough to stay on the cookie tops. Drizzle or spread this over cooled cookies for a classic frosted Pop Tart look.

These cookies carry such a fun balance of creamy and sweet that every bite feels a bit nostalgic. One year, I brought them to a family party, and everyone immediately recognized the flavor but was delighted to find this new cookie shape and texture.

Flavor Boosters

Store your pop tart cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and you can even warm them slightly for that fresh-baked feel.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea to balance the sweetness. You can also crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a playful dessert topping.

Creative Twists

Pop Tarts are an iconic American treat introduced in the 1960s, famous for their convenience and fun flavored frostings. Transforming them into cookies blends childhood nostalgia with homemade coziness, perfect for family gatherings or casual treat days.

This recipe is a fun and creative way to elevate a classic snack into a homemade treat that everyone will love and remember.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use different Pop Tart flavors?

Yes, you can experiment with various Pop Tart flavors to customize the taste of your cookies, adding different fillings and sweetness levels.

→ What is the best way to soften the butter?

Leave the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it is soft enough to mix smoothly but not melted.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness and freshness.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking to allow flavors to meld.

→ Why do the cookies remain soft after baking?

The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough helps retain moisture, resulting in a soft texture even after cooling.