Homemade Sheet Pan Brown Sugar And Cinnamon Pop Tarts

There’s something magical about homemade treats that can make any day feel special. These Sheet Pan Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop Tarts are a delightful twist on the classic pastry, allowing you to whip up a batch without the fuss of individual tarts.

A white plate with brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Kim Schob.

Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen, tempting everyone to gather around. They’re perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even a sweet dessert! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a flaky, sweet treat that everyone will adore.

If you are searching for more breakfast recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. If you are a Danish fan, make this copycat Starbucks cream cheese Danish. Or, for something more savory, try making sun dried tomato bagels topped with asiago cheese.

Still in the mood for more cinnamon recipes? Try making these simple two ingredient cinnamon roll apple pie cups!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Homemade Pop Tart Recipe

Easy to Make: A simplified process allows you to create delicious homemade pop tarts without the hassle of forming individual pastries, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings.
Customizable Flavors: This recipe allows you to experiment with different filling ingredients and icings, allowing you to make your favorite pop-tart flavor.
Family-Friendly: Kids can enjoy decorating their pop tarts, making it an enjoyable activity for the whole family.
Deliciously Flaky and Sweet: The combination of flaky pastry and a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling ensures that each bite is a delightful experience that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

What’s in This Brown Sugar And Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe?

Ingredients for cinnamon pop tarts sitting on a wooden table.

Pie Crusts: The foundation of your pop tarts, the pie crust provides a buttery, flaky texture that perfectly complements the sweet filling. You can conveniently use store-bought pastry dough or make your own from scratch for an authentic touch.
Vanilla: This ingredient adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile of your pop tarts. A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates the sweetness, enhancing each bite’s aromatic richness.
Powdered Sugar: Known for its fine texture, powdered sugar is ideal for creating a smooth icing or glaze. It dissolves easily, making it perfect for topping your pop tarts with a sweet finish that balances the warmth of the cinnamon.
Milk: This adds moisture to the icing and helps achieve the desired creaminess. Whether you opt for whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative, milk enhances the overall flavor and texture of your sweet treat.
Ground Cinnamon: A key player in this recipe, ground cinnamon brings a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar. It adds flavor and a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen while baking.
Brown Sugar is crucial for creating the rich, caramel-like filling that defines these pop tarts. The molasses in brown sugar gives it a unique taste and moisture, resulting in a delectably gooey center.
Butter: Essential for a rich flavor and flaky texture, chilled butter adds richness to the crust and filling. Cold butter in the pie crust helps achieve the perfect flaky layers everyone loves.
Egg: Often used to bind ingredients and add moisture, the egg enriches the dough while also giving it a beautiful golden color when baked. It creates a delightful crust that perfectly holds all the delicious fillings.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Three pop tarts with powdered sugar and cinnamon mixture icing on a white plate.

Substitutions and Additions

Flavored Extracts: Instead of vanilla, try almond or maple extract for a different flavor twist that beautifully complements the cinnamon and brown sugar.
Nut Milk: Swap out regular milk for your favorite nut milk (almond or coconut) to accommodate dairy-free diets while still achieving a creamy icing.
Additional Spices: To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling. These spices pair well with cinnamon.
Fruit Fillings: For a fruity pop tart variation, get creative by adding fruit preserves or jam, such as raspberry or apple, to the filling.
Nutty Additions: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the filling for added texture and a delightful crunch.
Icing Variations: Experiment with different icing flavors by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze or citrus zest for a refreshing lemon icing.

How to Make Frosted Cinnamon Roll Pop Tarts (step-by-step directions)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, blend the powdered sugar, milk, ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, and ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside. (Photos 1 & 2)
In a separate large bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, remaining cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well mixed. (Photos 3 & 4)

Collage of assembling cinnamon pop tarts.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to a thickness of ¼ inch. Cut the crust in half with a pizza cutter, setting one half aside and rolling out the other half. (Photo 5)
Place one-half of the crust onto a lined baking sheet, allowing one edge to hang over the side. Spread half of the cinnamon glaze evenly on the bottom half of the crust. (Photo 6)
Fold the top half of the crust over the brown sugar filling, pressing the edges together to seal. As you crimp or pinch the edges shut, ensure any air trapped inside the tart is released. (Photos 7 & 8)

Beat an egg in a small bowl or cup to create an egg wash. Use a brush to apply the egg wash to the top of the sealed tart.
With a toothpick, poke several holes into the top of the tart to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake the tart for approximately 8 minutes on the middle rack until it turns golden brown. (Photo 9)
Allow the tart to cool to room temperature, then drizzle the icing over the top. Cut the tart into desired portion sizes and enjoy! (Photo 10)

Pop tarts with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture filling topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon icing.

Recipe Tips

Chill the Dough: For the best result, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out can help create a flaky crust.
Use Cold Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your butter is cold, and your egg for the wash is at room temperature.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the pop tarts, which can lead to bursting and messy edges during baking.
Experiment with Shapes: For a fun twist on the classic pop tart, feel free to create different shapes, such as rectangles or stars.
Add a Crunch: Sprinkle sugar on top of the filled tarts before baking for a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness.
Customize the Icing: You can add food coloring or flavor extracts to the icing for a more vibrant and unique finish.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tarts towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning; ovens can vary.

Storing Tips

To ensure your frosted cinnamon roll pop tarts remain fresh, store any leftover brown sugar pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen pop tart, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, pop the tart in a toaster oven until warmed, or place it in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Pop tarts with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture filling on a white plate.

Serving Suggestions

Frosted cinnamon roll pop tarts pair wonderfully with various accompaniments to elevate your breakfast or snack experience. Here are a few delightful options to consider:

Fresh Fruit: Serve your pop tarts alongside a bowl of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or ambrosia salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweet pastry.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream can add a luscious creaminess that complements the cinnamon and sweetness of the pop tarts.
Coffee or Tea: Pair your pop tarts with a warm beverage, such as robust coffee or soothing herbal tea, to create a cozy and satisfying experience.
Yogurt: A serving of Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative can provide a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the sweet pop tarts, adding a nutritious element to your meal. Or go with something flavored like a banana cream frozen yogurt.
Maple Syrup: Drizzling some maple syrup over the pop tarts can enhance their sweetness and introduce a rich, new dimension of flavor.
Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert option, serve warm pop tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Yes, using store-bought pie crust can save you time and still yield delicious pop tarts. Just follow the instructions for rolling it out and cutting it to size.

What can I substitute for the eggs in the egg wash?

For a vegan option, you can use a mixture of non-dairy milk and a little maple syrup
or agave syrup to achieve a similar shine on your pop tarts.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cinnamon sugar filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before using it.

What types of icing work best for decorating?

While simple powdered sugar icing is popular, you can also explore cream cheese frosting or even a glaze made from melted chocolate for a richer taste.

How do I know when the pop tarts are done baking?

Keep an eye out for a golden-brown color on the crust edges. You can also gently press the center; they are likely ready if it feels firm but slightly soft.

Need More Breakfast Recipes? Try These:

Did you make this recipe? Rate it!

Or any other delicious recipes on my site? If so, please leave a ★★★★★ star rating below and a 📝 comment sharing your thoughts!

To ensure you’re not missing a thing. Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along below!

Three pop tarts with brown sugar and cinnamon filling topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon icing on a plate.

No ratings yet