Soft cookies with gooey cinnamon filling
If you grew up loving brown sugar Pop-Tarts, these cookies are about to become your new obsession. They’re soft, buttery, and filled with a warm cinnamon-brown sugar center that melts into every bite. Finished with a sweet glaze, they taste like a homemade upgrade of your favorite childhood treat—but better, richer, and bakery-style. Perfect for cozy weekends, quick dessert cravings, or impressing guests without complicated steps. And the best part? They look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make ✨🍪
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 cookies
📝 Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & prep
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Make the dough
Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. - Add dry ingredients
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms. - Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. - Assemble cookies
Scoop dough, flatten it, add a spoon of filling in the center, then top with another flattened piece of dough. Seal edges and gently shape into a thick cookie. - Bake
Place on baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Centers should stay soft 🍪 - Cool slightly
Let cookies rest for 5 minutes before glazing. - Add glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cookies for that classic Pop-Tart look ✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Seal well: Prevent filling from leaking by pinching edges tightly
- Chill dough (optional): Helps cookies stay thick
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat tip: Microwave 10 seconds for a gooey center
🔄 Variations
- Add a maple glaze for extra depth
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking
- Make mini sandwich-style cookies
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough
❓ FAQ
Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate dough balls up to 24 hours before baking.
Why did my filling leak out?
Cookies weren’t sealed tightly enough—press edges firmly.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely—freeze baked or unbaked cookies for up to 2 months.