Figgy Pudding Pop Tarts Recipe – Easy Holiday Treat

The first time I made Figgy Pudding Pop Tarts, it was a chilly December afternoon, and I wanted something festive but playful to brighten the day. These pop tarts are the perfect mix of nostalgia and creativity—combining the cozy flavors of figgy pudding with the handheld convenience of a classic toaster pastry. If you’re someone who loves holiday baking but craves a fun twist, this recipe is calling your name! Packed with warm spices, sweet figs, and a luscious glaze, these pop tarts are a treat for the senses. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, so you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. Let’s bring that holiday cheer into your home with this irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: The filling captures the essence of figgy pudding with figs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange zest.
• Easy to Make: With store-bought pastry dough, these pop tarts come together in under an hour!
• Perfect for Holidays: Whether it’s Christmas morning or a holiday dessert table, these pop tarts are always a hit.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love the fun shape and sweet glaze, making it a family-friendly option.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spices or add a splash of brandy to the filling for an adult twist.

What sets Figgy Pudding Pop Tarts apart? It’s the combination of traditional holiday flavors packed into a flaky, golden pastry shell. They’re festive, fun, and just the right amount of indulgent. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver big holiday flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Figs: Dried figs, finely chopped (about 1 cup). These are the heart of the filling, adding sweetness and richness.
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons for a caramel-like depth.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon) and ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon) for that cozy holiday warmth.
• Orange Zest: Zest of one orange for a bright, citrusy kick.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted, to bring the filling together.
• Pastry Dough: Store-bought pie crust or puff pastry (2 sheets). Homemade works too if you have time!
• Egg: 1 egg, beaten, for brushing the tops.
• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup for the glaze.
• Milk: 2-3 tablespoons to thin out the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon for flavoring the glaze.

If you’re missing dried figs, you can substitute them with dates or raisins. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk in the glaze.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment to make these pop tarts—just a few basics:

• Rolling Pin: To roll out the pastry dough evenly.
• Sharp Knife or Pastry Cutter: For cutting the dough into rectangles.
• Mixing Bowls: One for the filling and one for the glaze.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the egg wash on the tops.

If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle works in a pinch! A fork can also double as a crimping tool for the edges.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped figs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and melted butter. Stir until evenly mixed and set aside.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Cut into rectangles, roughly 3×5 inches—you’ll need an even number for tops and bottoms.
3. Assemble the Pop Tarts: Place half of the rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the center of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Seal the Edges: Place another rectangle over each filled piece. Press the edges together gently with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative seal.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the pop tarts. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown finish.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pop tarts for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let them cool on a wire rack.
7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency as needed—it should be thick but pourable.
8. Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pop tarts. Add sprinkles or crushed nuts for extra flair!

Pro tip: If your filling feels too thick, add a splash of warm water to loosen it up. And don’t skip crimping the edges well—it prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Figgy Pudding Pop Tarts turn out perfectly:

• Keep the Dough Cold: Work quickly with the pastry to prevent it from becoming too soft. If needed, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before assembling.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to overload the filling—it can cause the pop tarts to burst open in the oven.
• Seal Well: Use a fork to crimp the edges securely. You can even brush a little water along the edges before sealing for extra adhesion.
• Customize the Glaze: Add a dash of cinnamon or orange juice to the glaze for extra flavor.

And if you’re like me and love experimenting, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for a delightful crunch!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Dietary Twist: Use gluten-free pie crust for a celiac-friendly option.
• Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for an extra holiday vibe.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix chopped dark chocolate into the filling for a decadent twist.
• Seasonal Adaptation: Swap figs with dried cranberries for a tart variation.
• Adult Version: Stir in 1 tablespoon of rum or brandy into the filling for a boozy touch.

One of my favorite experiments was adding a layer of almond paste under the fig filling—it’s rich, nutty, and absolutely divine!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These pop tarts are best served warm with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced tea. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed pop tarts for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before glazing.
• Flavors Over Time: The filling’s spices deepen over a day or two, making them even more flavorful!

If you’re feeling fancy, serve them on a platter with fresh orange slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive presentation.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate per pop tart:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

The dried figs are a great source of fiber and natural sweetness, while the orange zest adds a dose of vitamin C. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the glaze or skip it altogether.

Conclusion

Figgy Pudding Pop Tarts are a delightful way to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen. They’re fun, festive, and easy to make with flavors that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family breakfast or gifting them to friends, they’re sure to impress. I love how customizable this recipe is—you can truly make it your own!

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below. Share your variations or adaptations—I can’t wait to hear what creative twists you come up with. Happy baking and wishing you a holiday season as sweet as these pop tarts!

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with a bit of sugar and water to create a thicker filling.

What’s the best way to crimp the edges?

A fork works perfectly, but you can also use a pastry wheel for a decorative touch.

Can I make the pastry dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully if you have the time.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling the pop tarts.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes! They’re delicious even without glaze, but you can dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

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