Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
These Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts have a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with a simple cinnamon glaze. They taste like the classic toaster pastry we all grew up with, but the homemade version is even better!
If brown sugar cinnamon was always your favorite Pop-Tart flavor, you have to try making them at home. The filling is incredibly simple—a combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples—and every bite has that warm cinnamon sugar flavor tucked inside a golden pastry crust.
Finish them with a thick brown sugar cinnamon glaze and you’ve got a fun homemade breakfast treat that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
And don’t let the cute little pastries fool you. Homemade Pop Tarts are surprisingly easy to make, especially when you start with refrigerated pie crust.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Pop Tarts
- Easy to make
- Flaky, buttery pastry
- Gooey brown sugar cinnamon center
- Sweet cinnamon glaze
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Kid-friendly breakfast or snack
- Easy to make with refrigerated pie crust
- Delicious warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
For the Pop Tarts
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Allow the refrigerated pie crusts to sit at room temperature for a few minutes so they’re easier to unroll without cracking.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour to a small bowl and stir until combined.
Add the melted butter and vanilla and stir again.
The mixture should resemble a thick, crumbly cinnamon sugar filling.
Set it aside while you prepare the pastry.
Step 3: Cut the Pie Crust
Unroll both pie crusts onto a lightly floured work surface.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into evenly sized rectangles.
Try to make the rectangles approximately 3 x 4 inches, but don’t worry if they aren’t completely perfect. You just need pairs that are roughly the same size.
Gather any leftover pastry scraps, gently roll them out, and cut additional rectangles.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Arrange half of the pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon some of the brown sugar cinnamon filling into the center of each rectangle.
Leave approximately 1/2 inch around the edges without filling. This gives you enough room to seal the pastries.
Don’t overfill them. As tempting as it is to add extra cinnamon filling, too much can leak out during baking.
Step 5: Seal the Pop Tarts
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and tablespoon of water.
Brush a little egg wash around the edges of each pastry rectangle.
Place another rectangle of pastry over the filling.
Gently press the edges together, then use the tines of a fork to crimp all four sides.
This gives homemade Pop Tarts their classic look while also helping keep that delicious filling inside.
Step 6: Vent the Tops
Use a toothpick, skewer, or the tip of a sharp knife to make a few tiny holes in the top of each pastry.
These little vents allow steam to escape while the Pop Tarts bake.
Brush the tops lightly with the remaining egg wash.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden around the edges.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the Pop Tarts to cool for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Let them cool completely before adding the glaze.
If they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and run right off the pastry.
Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Glaze
While the Pop Tarts cool, prepare the glaze.
Add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk to a small bowl.
Whisk until completely smooth.
If the glaze is too thick, add additional milk a teaspoon at a time.
You want the glaze to be thick enough to stay on top of the pastries rather than running down the sides.
Spoon the glaze over each cooled Pop Tart and gently spread it toward the edges.
Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Jennie’s Thoughts
Brown sugar cinnamon has always been one of those flavors that immediately reminds me of Pop Tarts, and they’re even better when you make them yourself.
I love using refrigerated pie crust for these because it makes the whole recipe so easy. You still get that flaky, buttery pastry without having to spend all morning making dough from scratch.
And the filling is definitely my favorite part. Brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla is such a simple combination, but once it’s baked inside that pastry it turns into the most delicious cinnamon sugar center.
Make sure you let the Pop Tarts cool before adding the glaze. I know it’s tempting to frost them immediately, but if they’re warm you’ll end up with glaze everywhere except on the Pop Tart!
These are so good with coffee in the morning, but honestly, I would eat one for dessert too.
Can I Use Refrigerated Pie Crust for Homemade Pop Tarts?
Yes! Refrigerated pie crust is one of my favorite shortcuts for making homemade Pop Tarts.
It’s easy to work with and creates a flaky pastry without having to make homemade dough.
You can absolutely use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe instead if you’d like.
How Do You Keep Homemade Pop Tarts From Leaking?
There are three things that help keep the brown sugar filling inside.
First, leave a border around the filling.
Second, use egg wash around the edges to help the two pieces of pastry stick together.
Finally, crimp the edges firmly with a fork.
It’s also important not to overfill the pastries. A little filling goes farther than you might think.
Why Do I Need Flour in the Filling?
The small amount of flour helps bind the brown sugar filling together as it heats.
Without it, the melted brown sugar and butter can become very runny and are more likely to escape from the pastry.
Can I Make Different Shapes?
Absolutely!
Rectangles give you that nostalgic toaster-pastry appearance, but you can use cookie cutters to make homemade Pop Tarts for different holidays.
Try hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins for fall, ghosts for Halloween, or Christmas trees during the holidays.
Just make sure you have two matching pieces of pastry for every Pop Tart.
Homemade Pop Tart Filling Ideas
Once you know how to make homemade Pop Tarts, there are so many different fillings you can try.
Use the same basic method with:
- Strawberry preserves
- Raspberry preserves
- Blueberry preserves
- Apple pie filling
- Cherry pie filling
- Nutella
- Cookie butter
- Pumpkin butter
- Lemon curd
Just be careful with very runny fillings because they can leak from the pastry while baking.
How to Store Homemade Pop Tarts
Once the glaze has completely set, store the Pop Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 2 days.
For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days.
If you’re planning to reheat them, I recommend storing them without the glaze and adding it afterward.
Can You Freeze Homemade Pop Tarts?
Yes.
For the best results, freeze the Pop Tarts before glazing them.
Allow the baked pastries to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw and warm them before adding fresh cinnamon glaze.
Can Homemade Pop Tarts Go in the Toaster?
I wouldn’t put glazed homemade Pop Tarts into a traditional upright toaster. The icing can melt, drip into the toaster, and burn.
Instead, warm them in a toaster oven, air fryer, or regular oven.
They’re also delicious at room temperature.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts
Serve these homemade toaster pastries with fresh fruit and coffee for an easy breakfast.
They’re especially delicious with:
- Hot coffee
- Iced coffee
- Cold milk
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Scrambled eggs
- Bacon or sausage
Or just grab one on its own when you’re craving something sweet!
Easy Homemade Pop Tarts
You don’t need to make complicated pastry dough to enjoy delicious Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts.
With flaky pie crust, a buttery brown sugar cinnamon center, and sweet cinnamon glaze, this easy homemade version has all the nostalgic flavor of the classic breakfast treat.
Make a batch for weekend breakfast, brunch, an after-school snack, or just because you’re craving something sweet and cinnamon-y.
Once you see how easy homemade Pop Tarts are to make, you’ll want to start experimenting with every filling you can think of!
