Homemade Pop Tarts with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Introduction
These homemade pop tarts are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat. Crispy, flaky pastry filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, then topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. They’re perfect for a cozy morning or a sweet snack anytime.

Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Cut into six 3×4 inch rectangles, rerolling the dough as needed. Repeat with the second crust. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth to create an egg wash.
- Step 2: Arrange half of the dough rectangles on a work surface and brush each with the egg wash.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until combined.
- Step 4: Evenly sprinkle about 1 ½ tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture onto each egg-washed dough rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
- Step 5: Place the remaining dough rectangles on top of the filled pieces. Use a fork to crimp the edges to seal, then brush the tops with more egg wash.
- Step 6: Preheat an air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tarts inside in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove the tarts from the air fryer and let them cool completely before glazing.
- Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add extra cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 9: Spoon the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts and let set for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a fruity twist, add a spoonful of your favorite jam between the cinnamon sugar before sealing the tarts.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the pop tarts at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Brush the edges with water before sealing for an extra-tight seal and less filling leakage.
Storage
Store leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze homemade pop tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked, assembled pop tarts. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of refrigerated pie crust?
You can make your own quick pie dough or use puff pastry sheets for a flakier texture. Both work well as a substitute for refrigerated pie crusts in this recipe.
PrintHomemade Pop Tarts with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
These homemade Pop Tarts are a delightful take on the classic pastry, featuring a cinnamon brown sugar filling encased in flaky pie crust and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Made from simple pantry ingredients and baked to golden perfection in an air fryer, they offer a quick and delicious breakfast or snack option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 Pop Tarts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons flour
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle and cut it into six 3×4 inch rectangles. Reroll scraps as needed to make a total of 12 rectangles from both crusts.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Arrange half of the dough pieces on a work surface and brush each with the egg wash to help seal the pastries.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until evenly mixed.
- Fill Pastries: Evenly sprinkle about 1 ½ tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture onto each egg-washed dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
- Seal Edges: Top each filled piece with the remaining dough rectangles. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely to prevent filling leakage.
- Brush Tops: Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with the remaining egg wash for a glossy finish after baking.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Pop Tarts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pastries turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the cooked Pop Tarts from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Add more heavy cream as needed to reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Glaze and Set: Spoon the glaze over the tops of the cooled Pop Tarts and let it set for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to firm up.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled pie crust to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Do not overfill to avoid the filling leaking out during cooking.
- Let the Pop Tarts cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Homemade Pop Tarts, cinnamon brown sugar filling, air fryer pastries, easy breakfast, sweet pastries, vanilla glaze

