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Cinnamon Roll Pop Tart Cookies

cinnamon roll pop tart cookies - featured image

These Cinnamon Roll Pop Tart Cookies combine the gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl of classic cinnamon rolls with the fun, handheld shape of pop tarts. Soft, chewy, and topped with a sweet glaze, they’re a bake sale favorite and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a thick dough forms. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon flour until smooth.
  7. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick (roughly 12×9 inches).
  8. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  9. From the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  10. Place each round onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Gently press each one down to slightly flatten.
  11. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers look just set.
  12. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  13. In a bowl, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  14. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and top with sprinkles. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For sharp edges, chill the rolled log for 20 minutes before slicing. If dough cracks while rolling, let it rest for 10 minutes. For gluten-free or vegan versions, use 1-to-1 gluten-free flour and vegan butter with a flaxseed egg. Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months. Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll cookies, pop tart cookies, bake sale cookies, cinnamon sugar, easy dessert, kid friendly, brunch, holiday cookies, nostalgic cookies