Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Shortbread
Total Time
2 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(87)
Ingredients
16 bars
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 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
- 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 temp
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 325F and coat a square 8×8 dish with nonstick spray and line all 4 sides with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edges of the pan for easy release.
Step 2
Trace a square outline of the pan on a separate sheet of parchment paper and set aside.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the salt, almond flour, and flour. Set aside.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar. Start on a low speed then slowly work your way up to prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl.
Step 5
Once smooth and fluffy, mix in the egg and vanilla.
Step 6
Switch to a rubber spatula, add in the dry ingredients and mix by hand until combined. The consistency should be similar to mashed potatoes.
Step 7
Scoop half of the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it even. I recommend using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get it as even as possible.
Step 8
With the other half of the dough, spread it onto the sheet of parchment paper that we outlined earlier. Spread it to fit the square as best as possible.
Step 9
In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling. It should resemble wet sand.
Step 10
Crumble and lightly press an even layer of the filling on top of the shortbread dough that’s inside the pan.
Step 11
Then carefully flip the parchment paper dough on top of the filling layer and peel back the paper. The dough may stick a bit, so use your offset spatula or a butter knife to scrape it away as you carefully peel the paper.
Step 12
Once all the paper is peeled back, the top layer of dough won’t be perfect so spread it as evenly as possible.
Step 13
Bake the shortbread for 40-45 minutes or until it’s evenly puffed and the edges are a light golden brown.
Step 14
Let the shortbread rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill uncovered for about an hour.
Step 15
Once the bars have chilled, make the Cinnamon Maple Icing.
Step 16
Whisk together all of the ingredients, starting with just 1 tablespoon of milk.
Step 17
If the icing appears too thick, mix in the additional tablespoon.
Step 18
The icing will set up quickly, so spread it on top of the shortbread as soon as you’re done mixing it.
Step 19
Top with a light sprinkle of sea salt, slice, and enjoy!
Step 20
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Chef's notes
Properly measure the flour to prevent the shortbread from turning out dry and crumbly.
Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for smooth dough.
Use powdered sugar for a soft texture.
Avoid overmixing to prevent tough shortbread.
