Dessert

Apple Cinnamon Pop Tarts Recipe

ByBen Miller December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

Introduction

These homemade Apple Cinnamon Pop Tarts offer a delightful combination of flaky pastry and warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack, they bring the comforting flavors of fall right to your kitchen.

The image shows a close-up of a square, golden-brown pastry with a flaky texture, one corner broken open to reveal a shiny, sticky, amber-colored filling inside. The pastry has small fork marks around the edges and tiny ventilation holes on top. It rests directly on a metal baking tray with some grease stains. Nearby, there is a silver fork with four tines placed on the tray. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon, divided
1 teaspoon Salt, plus 2 pinches
1 cup Butter
2 Eggs
1/4 cup Milk
2 Apples
7 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar
1 Lemon
1 teaspoon Water
3/4 cup Powdered Confectioners Sugar
2 teaspoons Milk (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Step 2: Add 1 cup of butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers until the mixture resembles pea-sized pieces.
Step 3: Whisk together 2 eggs and 1/4 cup milk, then add to the flour mixture. Combine gently, then divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
Step 4: Peel and cut 2 apples into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: In a frying pan, combine the apples, 7 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 pinches of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons juice from one lemon. Cook while stirring until apples soften and sugar dissolves.
Step 6: Remove from heat, strain the apple mixture to separate juices and filling, then let both cool.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust your workspace with flour.
Step 8: Roll out one portion of dough to a 12×10-inch rectangle. Cut into six rectangles approximately 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches. Repeat with the second dough portion.
Step 9: Whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon water. Brush a thin layer over each bottom rectangle. Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the filling and 1 1/2 teaspoons of reserved juices onto each.
Step 10: Place a top rectangle over each filled bottom piece and seal edges by pinching with a fork. Prick the top with a fork to vent. Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden.
Step 11: While warm, prepare the glaze by mixing 3/4 cup sifted powdered confectioners sugar with 2 tablespoons reserved apple cinnamon juices, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons milk.
Step 12: Drizzle the glaze over the warm pop tarts and serve.
Step 13: Enjoy your homemade apple cinnamon pop tarts!

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart filling.
Chill the dough thoroughly to make it easier to roll and cut.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling for extra warmth.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk.

Storage

Store any leftover pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to one month. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat to keep the crust crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows square-shaped hand pies with a golden brown, flaky crust that has small fork marks along the edges and tiny fork holes on top. One pie is broken open, revealing a gooey, dark amber filled center that looks sticky and sweet. The hand pies rest on a slightly worn white marbled texture, and to the right side lies a shiny silver fork placed flat on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch?

Yes, pre-made pie crust can be used as a shortcut, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the homemade cinnamon dough.

How do I prevent the pop tarts from getting soggy?

Be sure to strain the apple filling juice before adding the filling to the dough, and don’t overfill the tarts. Venting the tops with a fork also helps steam escape during baking, keeping the crust crisp.