Name: Cinnamon Apple Pop Tarts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored, about 2 medium apples); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tbsp water (for egg wash); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp milk (or more as needed for glaze consistency)

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Apple Pop Tarts Recipe

These pop tarts combine the nostalgia of a classic toaster pastry with the fresh flavor of real apples and fall spices. The flaky pie crust contrasts beautifully with the warm, cinnamon‑brown sugar filling, and the simple glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough
3 cups all‑purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
6–8 tablespoons ice cold water

Cinnamon Apple Filling
3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon water
1 egg

Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse to mix. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. With the processor running, add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to come together. Form into two discs, wrap, and chill.

Cook the Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the apples soften. Mix cornstarch and water into the pan and simmer until the mixture thickens. Let cool.

Assemble Pop Tarts: Roll out the chilled dough and cut into rectangles. Place one rectangle on a baking sheet, add apple filling in the center, then top with another rectangle. Seal edges and poke holes on top. Chill again to firm up.

Bake: Brush tops with beaten egg and water mixture. Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) until golden brown.

Glaze: Once cool, mix powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and milk to make the glaze. Spoon over the pop tarts and spread.

Servings and timing

Makes 8 pop tarts
Prep Time: about 40 minutes
Cook Time: about 25 minutes
Chill Time: about 15 minutes
Total Time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans with the filling for extra crunch.
Caramel twist: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze for a richer topping.
Maple glaze: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for maple extract to enhance the fall flavors.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves, ginger, or allspice for a deeper spice blend.
Berry mix: Replace half the apples with chopped strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a toaster oven (but avoid reheating glazed tarts in a standard toaster as the glaze can melt and make a mess).

FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up well when cooked and balance the sweetness of the filling.

Can I use store‑bought pie crust?

Yes — using pre‑made pie crust saves time and still yields tasty results.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Chilling the assembled pop tarts before baking helps the dough stay firm and flaky.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare and refrigerate them unbaked, then bake later when ready.

Can I freeze them?

Yes — after baking and cooling, freeze in an airtight container for longer storage.

Do I have to glaze them?

No — you can skip the glaze or simply drizzle a little if you prefer less sweetness.

What’s the purpose of egg wash?

Egg wash gives the pastry a golden brown, shiny finish when baked.

Can I add more spices?

Yes — feel free to add extra cinnamon or a pinch of cloves or ginger to the filling for more warmth.

Are these suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely — these pop tarts make a fun, indulgent breakfast or snack.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes — cut the dough into smaller rectangles and adjust baking time slightly.

Conclusion

These cinnamon apple pop tarts bring the cozy flavors of fall into a handheld pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack time. With a flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite homemade treat to share with family and friends.