Description
These Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies Castle are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, incorporating crushed Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts for a unique, sweet flavor. Soft and chewy with a hint of cinnamon and a touch of white chocolate or cinnamon chips, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a fun treat. The cookies are finished with a simple icing drizzle and topped with extra Pop-Tart pieces to create a whimsical castle effect, making them both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup crushed Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts (about 3–4 pastries)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup cinnamon chips or butterscotch chips (optional)
Icing
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Extra Pop-Tart pieces for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a soft texture in the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even distribution, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon evenly to prevent clumps and distribute the leavening and spices throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated but not overmixed to avoid tough cookies.
- Fold in Pop-Tarts and Chips: Gently fold in the crushed Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts and optional white chocolate or cinnamon/butterscotch chips to add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop or spoon and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for better texture and easier icing.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create a simple icing that will add sweetness and decoration.
- Decorate: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies and top with additional Pop-Tart crumbs or pieces to achieve the signature ‘castle’ appearance for a fun and creative presentation.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Create a dramatic display by stacking or arranging the cookies into a castle shape for themed parties or special occasions.
- Optional chips add extra sweetness and texture but can be omitted for a simpler cookie.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid cookie sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
