Some recipes bring back childhood memories the moment you smell them baking. Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts do exactly that. They are warm sweet and buttery with a flaky crust and a comforting cinnamon filling that melts beautifully inside the pastry. Every bite feels nostalgic and cozy but with all the flavor and freshness that only homemade pastries can offer. This recipe turns a classic store bought treat into something tender golden and unforgettable.

This homemade version keeps the familiar taste we love but elevates everything. The crust is richer and flakier. The filling is deeper in flavor with brown sugar cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. The icing melts softly on top creating that perfect pop tart finish. You can enjoy them for breakfast dessert or a sweet afternoon snack and they stay delicious warm or cold.

The first time I made these homemade pop tarts the aroma alone was enough to know they would become a staple. The dough rolled out buttery and soft. The filling came together in seconds but packed a sweet fragrant punch. As the pastries baked they puffed lightly and turned golden at the edges. When they came out of the oven warm and fragrant the kitchen smelled like cinnamon sugar heaven. One bite confirmed everything. The crust was crisp and tender the filling was sweet and comforting and the icing added just the right finishing touch. These pop tarts feel nostalgic but taste even better than the original.

Let’s walk through how to make these delicious homemade brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts step by step.

Ingredients

Pastry Dough

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup cold butter cubed
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup ice water
1 teaspoon vanilla optional

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter

Icing

1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of cinnamon

To Assemble

1 egg beaten for egg wash
Extra cinnamon for topping

How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Make the Pastry Dough

Add flour sugar and salt to a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water and vanilla and mix gently until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. Wrap and chill the dough so it becomes firm enough to roll.

Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl mix brown sugar cinnamon flour salt and melted butter. The filling should be thick and spreadable. This mixture creates the classic warm interior of brown sugar pop tarts.

Roll Out the Dough

Roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Cut into evenly sized small rectangles. These will form the tops and bottoms of the pop tarts. Keeping the dough cold helps the pastry stay flaky.

Assemble the Pop Tarts

Place the first layer of dough rectangles on a baking sheet. Add a spoonful of filling to the center of each. Brush the edges with egg wash then place another rectangle of dough on top. Press around the edges with a fork to seal.

Bake Until Golden

Brush the tops with egg wash for shine. Bake until the pop tarts turn golden and the edges become lightly crisp. Allow them to cool slightly before icing.

Add the Icing

Mix powdered sugar milk vanilla and cinnamon to form the glaze. Spread over the cooled pop tarts. Add a pinch of cinnamon on top if you like extra flavor.

What These Pop Tarts Taste Like

Buttery and Flaky

The homemade pastry is tender crisp and more flavorful than store bought.

Warm and Sweet

Brown sugar and cinnamon melt into a cozy filling that tastes nostalgic.

Softly Iced

The glaze adds sweetness without overpowering the pastry.

Comforting and Familiar

Each bite feels warm classic and perfectly balanced.

Tips for Perfect Pop Tarts

Keep the Butter Cold

Cold butter makes the dough flaky.

Don’t Overfill

Too much filling causes the pop tarts to open while baking.

Seal Edges Well

Press firmly with a fork for the best seal.

Cool Before Icing

Warm pop tarts melt the glaze too much.

Variations You Can Try

Maple Brown Sugar

Add a splash of maple syrup to the filling.

Chocolate Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Add mini chocolate chips inside.

Apple Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Add a spoonful of applesauce to the filling.

Honey Cinnamon

Replace part of the brown sugar with honey.

Nutty Cinnamon

Add chopped pecans or walnuts.

How to Serve Homemade Pop Tarts

Warm from the Oven

They taste incredible fresh and warm.

Toasted Lightly

Toasting brings back crispness the next day.

With Ice Cream

A fun twist for dessert.

With Hot Drinks

Perfect with coffee tea or hot chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerate

Store pop tarts in an airtight container for up to four days.

Reheat

Warm in the toaster or oven for crispness.

Freeze

Freeze unbaked or baked pop tarts and reheat when needed.

Why This Recipe Becomes a Favorite

Better Than Store Bought

Flakier crust richer filling fresher flavor.

Simple Ingredients

Everything is easy to find and quick to prepare.

Cozy and Nostalgic

The perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.

Customizable

Endless variations to match your cravings.

Delicious Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts bring together buttery flaky pastry and warm cinnamon sweetness in every bite. Simple ingredients transform into a comforting familiar treat that feels nostalgic and fresh all at once.