Discover the irresistible charm of **Pie Crust Cookies** – a delightful, easy-to-make treat that transforms simple pie dough into a crispy, sugary indulgence. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that evoke nostalgic comfort and satisfy any sweet craving.
Growing up, my Grandma Martin, whose culinary wisdom I often speak of, had a special tradition whenever she baked her famous pies. As she meticulously crafted each pie, there were always those precious leftover pie crust scraps. I remember feeling an extra burst of joy when her baking project for the day was my absolute favorite: Chocolate Meringue Pie. The promise of those scraps turning into a treat just for me was almost as exciting as the pie itself.
Grandma wouldn’t let a single bit of that delicious dough go to waste. She would carefully gather the “extra” dough, roll it out onto a sheet pan, and then generously sprinkle it with a magical blend of cinnamon and sugar. Into the oven it went, baking until it reached that perfect point of light golden brown and irresistible crispiness. To this day, I can’t definitively say what I loved more – her magnificent pies or those unique, quick cookies she made exclusively for me. Grandmas truly possess a magical touch, effortlessly transforming humble ingredients into cherished little treats and, more importantly, into lifetime memories that warm the heart.
The Charm of Pie Crust Cookies: A Holiday and Everyday Delight
This beautiful tradition is precisely why these Pie Crust Cookies hold such a special place in my heart, and why they are so incredibly wonderful. These simple yet utterly delicious cookies are perfectly suited for any occasion, but they truly shine during the holidays. Imagine the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving preparations, with pies cooling on every surface, and those inevitable leftover pie crust scraps. Instead of discarding them, transform them into these quick cookies! They are the ultimate solution for utilizing that extra pie dough, turning potential waste into another delightful dessert. You can use your cherished homemade pie crust recipe, or for ultimate convenience, a store-bought crust works beautifully, making this recipe come together in a flash.
Effortless Elegance: Simple Pie Crust Cookies
These simple cookies are astonishingly easy to make, proving that some of the best treats require minimal effort. The process is straightforward: roll out the pie dough, dust it with your favorite sugar topping, bake, and enjoy. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes, from prep to warm, fragrant cookies. They are simply divine, offering a comforting flavor that requires no waiting time. I wholeheartedly recommend savoring them straight from the oven. The warm, buttery pie crust, infused with cinnamon and sugar, promises to melt in your mouth, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
If you’re a fellow cookie enthusiast, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite cookie recipes: Cowboy Cookies with Brown Butter, Old Fashioned Iced Molasses Cookies, or Pecan Butter Cookies. Each offers a unique flavor profile, but all share that homemade goodness we all crave.
Transforming Leftover Pie Dough into Irresistible Cookies
While the idea of making cookies from pie dough might seem unconventional at first, trust me, once you experience their delightful taste and incredible ease, you’ll find yourself incorporating them into your regular baking routine. These Pie Crust Cookies are arguably the easiest cookies you will ever make, perfect for those moments when a sudden craving for something sweet strikes, but you’re short on time or ingredients.
This quick and easy recipe will quickly become your go-to, whether you have an abundance of pie crust scraps or simply decide to buy an extra crust just for these cookies. They are fantastic to have on hand during the holiday season, making them an ideal candidate for Christmas cookie platters. Consider baking a generous batch for thoughtful teacher gifts, unique stocking stuffers, or as an unexpected treat to serve after your festive holiday meal. No matter how or when you serve them, these yummy pie crust delights are always a hit. For added convenience, I often make a double batch and freeze half. They store exceptionally well in the freezer for several months, ready to be baked for a spontaneous treat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pie Crust Cookies
Making these simple Pie Crust Cookies requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have or can easily pick up. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:
- 1 box (2 crusts) Refrigerated Pie Crust, or your own homemade pie crusts – For the quickest path to warm, delicious cookies, a store-bought refrigerated pie crust is your best friend. It’s convenient and consistently delivers excellent results. However, if you have the time and prefer a homemade touch, I highly recommend using my Grandma’s Homemade Pie Crust recipe. It adds an extra layer of love and flavor.
- 1 cup sugar or spice blend of your choice – My personal favorite combination is white sugar generously mixed with ground cinnamon. This classic duo offers a comforting aroma and flavor. However, feel free to get creative! Other fantastic options include lemon zest combined with sugar for a bright, citrusy note, almond sugar for a nutty sweetness, or vanilla sugar for an extra layer of aromatic warmth.
- Spray butter or egg wash – To achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and help the sugar adhere, you’ll need either spray butter or an egg wash. You can easily melt some butter and put it into a spray bottle for an even coating, or prepare a simple egg wash by beating one egg with a splash of water. Both methods work wonderfully to ensure a crispy, flavorful finish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pie Crust Cookies
Creating these delightful Pie Crust Cookies is incredibly simple. Follow these straightforward steps to bake a batch of warm, sugary treats in no time:
FIRST: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
SECOND: Gently unroll your refrigerated pie crust dough onto a lightly floured surface. A dusting of flour on your counter or cutting board will prevent the dough from sticking. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough to make it flat and uniform in thickness. Be mindful not to roll it too thin, as overly thin cookies can become brittle and burn easily during baking.
THIRD: Now for the fun part! Use your favorite cookie cutters to create various shapes from the rolled-out dough. If you don’t have cookie cutters, the rim of a glass works just as well for simple round shapes. Carefully transfer the cut shapes to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cookie.
FOURTH: With the tines of a fork, gently poke several holes into each cookie shape. This simple step helps prevent the dough from puffing up excessively and ensures an even bake, resulting in a crispier texture.
FIFTH: Evenly spritz the tops of your cookies with spray butter, or brush them with your prepared egg wash. Immediately after, generously dust the cookies with your chosen topping – whether it’s plain sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a flavored sugar blend. The moisture from the butter or egg wash will help the sugar adhere perfectly, creating a beautiful, sweet coating.
Alternatively, if opting for an egg wash, combine one beaten egg white with one teaspoon of water. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the cookies before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. This creates a slightly glossier finish and helps the sugar stick firmly.
SIXTH: Bake the cookies for 7-9 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful light golden brown. Baking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your dough. Thicker cookies might require closer to 9 and a half minutes, while thinner ones could be done in as little as 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the edges from browning too much, which can make them tough.
SEVENTH: Once baked to perfection, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool. Though, as mentioned, they are absolutely delightful when eaten warm, straight off the baking sheet!
Store any leftover Pie Crust Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Love These Pie Crust Cookies? Pin It for Later!
If you adore this simple Pie Crust Cookie recipe as much as I do, make sure you save it so you can whip up a batch anytime! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, and share the joy of these delightful treats with others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pie Crust Cookies
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying these delightful pie crust cookies:
How do I use leftover pie crust effectively? Leftover pie dough is perfectly suited for making these quick cookies. The process is incredibly simple: just roll out the dough, cut it into your desired cookie shapes, dust them generously with sugar (and cinnamon, if you like), and bake until golden. While cinnamon and sugar is my personal go-to, feel free to experiment with different sugar and spice combinations to suit your taste. Beyond cookies, there are many other creative ways to use pie crust: you can freeze it for future baking projects, transform it into savory empanadas, delightful pop tarts, or use it as a base for a delicious quiche.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the pie crust? Typically, pie crust itself is not heavily sweetened, as the sweetness usually comes from the pie filling. However, when making these cookies, adding sugar directly to the crust’s surface provides the primary source of sweetness, transforming a plain dough into a delicious dessert. It also contributes to a lovely caramelized crust when baked.
How can I ensure my pie crust cookies are crispy? To achieve a wonderfully crispy texture for your cookies, there are a couple of excellent methods. Brushing the rolled-out dough with a light egg wash (an egg beaten with a teaspoon of water) before sprinkling the sugar works wonders. Alternatively, a gentle spritz of melted butter or spray butter achieves a similar crisping and browning effect. Don’t forget to poke holes with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
Can I use frozen pie crust to make these cookies? Unfortunately, frozen pie crusts, once thawed, tend to be more delicate and do not roll out as smoothly or evenly as fresh or refrigerated pie crusts. This can make them difficult to work with for cutting precise cookie shapes. For the best results and easiest handling, I highly recommend using a store-bought refrigerated pie crust or freshly made homemade dough.
Creative Substitutions and Flavor Variations
One of the best things about Pie Crust Cookies is how versatile they are! Here are some ideas to customize them to your liking:
- Looking to make your own pie crust from scratch instead of using store-bought? You’re in luck! I have the perfect recipe for you: try my cherished Grandma’s Homemade Pie Crust for an authentic, flaky base.
- There are countless ways to infuse these cookies with unique flavors. Beyond cinnamon sugar, consider dusting them with a blend of apple pie spice for a warm, fruity note, or pumpkin pie spice for a taste of autumn. You could even explore making these fun Pumpkin Spice Swirls using your leftover pie crust.
- For even more delightful flavored sugar options, follow these easy instructions for making flavored sugars using various extracts. Think vanilla, almond, or even citrus-infused sugars!
- If you’re a fan of classic powdered sugar donuts, try baking the pie crust cookies as directed, then, once they’ve cooled completely, give them a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar. It creates a beautiful finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pie Crust Cookies
Elevate your pie crust cookie game with these helpful tips and tricks for the best results every time:
- Room Temperature Dough: Always allow your refrigerated pie crust to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to roll it out. This makes the dough more pliable and much easier to work with, preventing cracks and tears.
- Flavoring Variety: Keep a diverse assortment of flavorings on hand, such as different spices (nutmeg, cardamom), citrus zests (orange, lime), or even cocoa powder mixed with sugar, to create a range of unique cookies. These can also be used for other baked goods.
- Cookie Cutter Collection: Invest in or collect an assortment of cookie cutters in various shapes and sizes. This allows you to create visually appealing and festive cookies for different holidays and occasions, adding a fun element to your baking.
- Add Some Sparkle: For an extra festive touch, toss in some colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or other fun cake toppings before baking. This adds a pop of color and makes the cookies even more appealing, especially for parties or children’s treats.
- Proper Storage: To maintain their crispness and flavor, store baked pie crust cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for several months. Ensure they are completely cool before freezing to prevent condensation.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
If you’ve enjoyed these Pie Crust Cookies, here are some other fantastic recipes from my kitchen you might adore:
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies for a wonderfully soft and festive cookie.
- Pecan Pie Crust Cookies for another creative way to use pie dough with a nutty twist.
- My acclaimed Best Pie Crust Recipe – it’s my grandma’s secret and a true game-changer!
- Learn How to Blind Bake a Pie Crust for perfect pie fillings every time.
- It’s always pie season around here! Explore all of my delicious pie recipes right here.
- And for all your cookie cravings, discover ALL of my amazing Cookies Recipes right here.
These simple Pie Crust Cookies are guaranteed to impress and delight. Don’t hesitate – make a batch today and experience their comforting magic for yourself. Grab a warm cup of tea or coffee, and get ready for some heavenly dipping!
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Print Recipe
Pie Crust Cookies
Pie crust cut into cookie shapes and dusted with flavored sugar.
5 mins
9 mins
14 mins
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pie Crust Cookies
Servings: 4 dozen
Calories: 33 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- 1 box (2 crusts) Refrigerated Pie Crust, or your own homemade pie crusts
- 1 cup sugar or spice of your choice
- Spray butter or egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll to make it flat and even, taking care not to roll it too thin.
- Using cookie cutters or the rim of a glass, cut shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- With the tines of a fork, poke holes in the cookies.
- Spritz the cookies with spray butter and dust with plain or flavored sugar.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the cookies are a light golden brown (baking time will depend on how thin your crust is; thicker cookies may take up to 9 1/2 minutes, thinner ones around 7 minutes).
- Do not let the edges turn brown to prevent toughness.
- Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.
- Store pie crust cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Notes
To make an egg wash, mix one egg white with a teaspoon of water. Brush cookies with egg wash in place of the spray butter for a glossy finish.
The number of cookies you will get will depend on the size of the cookie cutters you use.
Nutrition
Calories: 33kcal |
Carbohydrates: 6g |
Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Sodium: 15mg |
Sugar: 4g
This delightful recipe for Pie Crust Cookies was first shared on June 17, 2014. It has since been updated and re-shared on November 16, 2022, with enhanced instructions and additional tips to improve your baking experience.
