The Coziest Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Shortbread Recipe Ever

Crispy, buttery shortbread meets nostalgic brown sugar cinnamon pop tart memories in this delightful twist.

Sweet childhood flavors dance across my kitchen countertop with surprising elegance.

Baking these treats connects us to warm, comforting moments from past breakfast tables.

Crumbly edges mingle with classic pop tart essence, creating something magical and unexpected.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought pastries every single time, trust me.

Buttery layers promise rich, indulgent bites that spark pure joy.

Make these and watch smiles spread faster than melted butter.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the shortbread from becoming too salty.

• How do I know when the shortbread is perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. The top should have a light golden color and feel set when touched.

• What if I don't have parchment paper?

Grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, use aluminum foil with a light butter coating.

• Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

While possible, brown sugar provides a richer caramel-like flavor and moisture that white sugar cannot replicate. Stick to brown sugar for the best results.

Pop Tart Shortbread and the Sweet, Nostalgic Reasons to Bake It

• Quick and Easy Baking Delight: Crafted for effortless enjoyment with minimal preparation steps.
• Sweet Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers nostalgic Pop Tart flavors in a crowd-friendly shortbread format that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Perfect for casual gatherings, after-school treats, or weekend baking adventures with simple pantry ingredients.
• Minimal Skill Required: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward mixing and baking techniques that guarantee delicious results without advanced pastry skills.

Pop Tart Shortbread Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides flaky texture and deep flavor for the shortbread.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and add depth to the shortbread's taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Structural ingredient that helps create the classic shortbread crumbly texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the shortbread.

• Brown Sugar: Provides warm, caramel-like sweetness with deep molasses undertones.
• Ground Cinnamon: Aromatic spice that adds warm, sweet-spicy flavor reminiscent of Pop Tarts.
• Butter: Helps bind the filling and creates a rich, smooth consistency.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle that adds finishing touch.
• Milk: Helps thin and blend the icing for perfect drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle, complex flavor to the sweet icing.

Pop Tart Shortbread Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line a baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Shortbread Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter with sugars using an electric mixer.

Beat until the mixture becomes creamy and light, creating a fluffy texture that will give your shortbread a tender crumb.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the butter mixture.

Mix until a soft, crumbly dough forms that holds together when pressed.

The dough should feel slightly sandy but cohesive.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Gently press half of the prepared dough into the lined baking dish.

Use your fingertips to create an even, smooth layer that covers the entire bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Craft the Cinnamon Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

Stir until the mixture becomes a rich, fragrant paste.

Spread this evenly over the first dough layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the cinnamon filling.

Lightly press the top layer to create a rustic, crumbly appearance that will provide delightful texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals the shortbread is ready.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the shortbread cool completely in the pan.

The cooling process helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Step 9: Finish with Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Drizzle the glossy icing over the cooled shortbread.

Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles.

Dessert Tips for Brown Sugar Pop Tart Shortbread

• Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent stickiness and improve texture.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon to match your personal preference, from mild to bold flavor profiles.
• Sift powdered sugar before mixing to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky, smooth drizzle.
• Watch the shortbread closely during baking to prevent over-browning, rotating the pan halfway through for even coloration.
• Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or replace some butter with applesauce for a lighter alternative.

Pop Tart Shortbread Storage Help

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover the shortbread with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual pieces or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without the icing.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Add fresh icing after thawing for best taste and texture.
• Warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the shortbread soggy and lose its delightful crunch.

Flavor Matches for Pop Tart Shortbread

• Pair Sweet Milk Beverage: Creamy cold milk perfectly complements the warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar notes, creating a nostalgic dessert experience that echoes pop tart childhood memories.
• Complement Coffee Blend: Rich medium-roast coffee with caramel undertones harmonizes beautifully with the shortbread's buttery cinnamon profile, enhancing the dessert's complex layers.
• Match Chai Latte: Spiced chai tea with its warm cinnamon and cardamom elements mirrors the shortbread's flavor composition, offering a delightful cultural twist to the classic dessert pairing.
• Accent Vanilla Milkshake: Smooth vanilla milkshake provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm shortbread, balancing the dessert's intense sweet and spicy characteristics while adding luxurious texture.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Shortbread Dessert Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Pop Tart Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic sweet and cinnamon flavor.
• Vegan Cinnamon Crumble Bar: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and create an egg-free, dairy-free alternative that's equally rich and indulgent.
• Low-Sugar Pop Tart Shortbread: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while keeping the delicious cinnamon profile perfect for health-conscious bakers.
• Nutty Cinnamon Shortbread: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra texture and a nutty dimension that complements the warm cinnamon notes in the original recipe.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Shortbread Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia meets gourmet delight in this brown sugar cinnamon pop tart shortbread, blending childhood memories with sophisticated flavor. Crumbly, buttery layers meld with classic pop tart essence, offering a delectable journey through comforting textures and warmth you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredient:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are fully covered for easy removal.
2. Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes pale and airy.
3. Sift flour and salt together, then gradually fold into the butter mixture until a crumbly, cohesive dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, pressing the first half firmly and evenly into the prepared pan’s base.
5. Combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a separate bowl to create a rich, fragrant filling.
6. Carefully spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the first dough layer, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Gently crumble the remaining dough over the filling, lightly pressing to create a rustic, textured top layer.
8. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden and center appears set.
9. Remove from oven and allow the shortbread to cool completely at room temperature.
10. Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth, glossy icing.
11. Drizzle the icing decoratively over the cooled shortbread, allowing it to set for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to maintain the same texture and taste.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent sticking and ensure a more compact base.
• Add extra warmth by sprinkling ground nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon filling for a more complex flavor profile.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better dough consistency, which helps create a more tender shortbread texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg