Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Shortbread Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings (bars) 1x

Description

Indulge in the delightful Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Shortbread, a perfect blend of buttery shortbread and sweet cinnamon brown sugar filling, topped with a smooth cinnamon maple icing. This treat brings nostalgic pop tart flavors in a rich, crumbly bar form, ideal for dessert or a special snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Dough

  • 1 1/2 cups (195g) all purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100g) almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

  • 1 cup (205g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

Cinnamon Maple Icing

  • 3/4 cup (75g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1–2 tbsp milk, room temperature
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and coat an 8×8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray. Line all four sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Trace Parchment Paper: On a separate sheet of parchment paper, trace the outline of the pan and set aside; this will be used later for the top dough layer.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together kosher salt, almond flour, and all-purpose flour until combined. Set aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer with paddle attachment to cream unsalted butter with powdered sugar, starting on low speed and gradually increasing until smooth and fluffy.
  5. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) until fully incorporated.
  6. Combine Dry Ingredients: Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the dry flour mixture by hand until combined; the dough should resemble mashed potatoes in consistency.
  7. Assemble Bottom Layer: Scoop half of the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to achieve a smooth, uniform layer.
  8. Shape Top Layer Dough: Spread the other half of the dough evenly onto the traced parchment paper square, shaping it to fit the pan dimensions.
  9. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix together light brown sugar, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and maple syrup until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  10. Add Filling Layer: Crumble the filling evenly over the shortbread dough in the baking pan, pressing lightly to distribute.
  11. Place Top Dough Layer: Carefully invert the parchment paper with the dough onto the filling layer in the pan, then gently peel off the parchment. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to help scrape off dough sticking to the paper. Smooth out the top dough layer as evenly as possible.
  12. Bake: Bake the assembled shortbread for 40-45 minutes or until puffed and the edges turn light golden brown.
  13. Cool: Let the baked shortbread rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place it uncovered into the refrigerator to chill for about an hour.
  14. Make Icing: While the shortbread chills, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, melted and cooled butter, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add up to another tablespoon of milk if the icing is too thick.
  15. Ice and Finish: Spread the cinnamon maple icing evenly over the chilled shortbread bars immediately after mixing. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for contrast.
  16. Serve: Slice into bars and enjoy the rich, cinnamon-spiced dessert.

Notes

  • Room temperature butter and egg help achieve a smooth dough consistency.
  • Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easy to lift the shortbread bars out after baking.
  • The filling resembles wet sand—loosely packed brown sugar mixture that bakes into a soft, chewy layer.
  • Scrape dough off the parchment carefully when transferring the top layer to avoid tearing.
  • Chilling the bars before applying icing ensures the frosting sets properly.
  • Optional flaky sea salt adds a sophisticated salty-sweet contrast.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: brown sugar, cinnamon, pop tart, shortbread, dessert bars, cinnamon maple icing, baked treats

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://kitchenflavorspot.com/brown-sugar-cinnamon-pop-tart-shortbread-recipe/