Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and 3 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add an additional tablespoon of water. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 equal rectangles.

Assemble the Pop Tarts

Place a spoonful of the cinnamon sugar filling in the center of half of the rectangles. Be sure to leave a border around the edges to seal the tarts. Top with the remaining dough rectangles and gently press the edges to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges and poke a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape.

Bake the Pop Tarts

Place the assembled pop tarts on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Frost and Serve

Once the pop tarts have cooled, drizzle the frosting over the top of each one. Allow the frosting to set before serving.

Recipe Tips

Chill the dough: This helps the dough hold its shape while baking and ensures a flaky texture.

Use cold butter: The cold butter creates a flaky, tender crust for the pop tarts.

Add toppings: Consider adding sprinkles or a drizzle of extra icing for a festive touch.

Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.

Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or apples for a complete meal.

Enjoy alongside a glass of milk or chocolate milk for a comforting treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these pop tarts?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pop tarts. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out.

Can I use store-bought dough for pop tarts?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie dough as a shortcut. Just be sure to roll it out thinly for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet touch.

Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.