Irresistible Pie Crust Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Repurposing Leftover Pie Dough
There’s something truly magical about the combination of cookies and pie. This Pie Crust Cookie recipe brings together the best of both worlds, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat. Imagine delicate pie dough, transformed into bite-sized cookies, baked to golden perfection, and dusted with a sweet, sparkling finish. These cookies prove that the most basic ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
Growing up, some of my fondest memories revolve around my Grandma Martin’s kitchen. You’ve heard me mention her before, and for good reason – she was a culinary genius, especially when it came to pies. Every time she embarked on a pie-making endeavor, I would eagerly anticipate the inevitable “leftover” pie crust scraps. I was particularly delighted when her project was my absolute favorite: a decadent Chocolate Meringue Pie. The thought of those flaky, buttery edges always brought a smile to my face.
Grandma, with her innate ability to turn simple moments into cherished memories, would carefully gather those extra bits of dough. She’d roll them out onto a sheet pan, transform them with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, and then bake them until they achieved that perfect light brown hue and crispy texture. It’s hard to say what I loved more – her magnificent pies, or those unique, personalized cookie crusts she crafted just for me. Grandmothers possess a special kind of magic, don’t they? They take the humblest ingredients and, through their love and wisdom, create not just little treats, but indelible lifetime memories.
That cherished tradition is precisely why these pie crust cookies hold such a special place in my heart and are so incredibly wonderful. They are more than just a recipe; they’re a nod to the past, a celebration of simplicity, and a perfect solution for the present. These delightful pie crust cookies are an absolute godsend, especially around the holidays. They offer a brilliant way to utilize every last scrap of that precious pie dough when you’re busy preparing Thanksgiving pies, Christmas treats, or any festive feast. Whether you prefer to use your treasured homemade pie crust recipe or opt for a convenient store-bought version, this recipe comes together with remarkable speed and ease, making it an ideal choice for busy bakers.
Effortless Pie Crust Cookies: A Quick Delight
These simple cookies are truly in a league of their own when it comes to ease of preparation. The process is straightforward: roll out your pie dough, dust it generously with your preferred sugar and spice mixture, bake it for a few short minutes, and then immediately savor the warm, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. In less than 10 minutes, you can have a batch of these divine treats ready to enjoy. There’s no need to wait for them to cool; in fact, I highly recommend indulging in them straight from the oven. The warm, flaky pie crust, infused with aromatic cinnamon and sweet sugar, creates an unparalleled experience that truly melts in your mouth.
If your heart beats for delicious cookies, you’re in good company! Here are a few more of my absolute favorites that I think you’ll adore: Cowboy Cookies with Brown Butter, a hearty and flavorful classic; Old Fashioned Iced Molasses Cookies, perfect for a cozy afternoon; or the rich and buttery Pecan Butter Cookies. Each recipe offers its own unique charm and deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pie Crust for Cookies
Turning pie dough into cookies might not be the first idea that comes to mind, but trust me when I say that once you experience these simple delights, they will undoubtedly become a regular fixture in your baking repertoire. These cookies are quite possibly the easiest you’ll ever make, making them an ideal solution for those sudden cravings for something sweet and satisfying.
They come together incredibly fast, perfect for satisfying an unexpected sweet tooth or when you need a quick dessert. This easy recipe will quickly become your reliable go-to, whether you intentionally have pie crust scraps on hand or simply want a fast, delicious cookie. These pie crust cookies are wonderful to have available, especially during holiday gatherings. They’d make a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter, a charming teacher’s gift, or even a delightful stocking ststuffer. Serve them after a festive meal, with your morning coffee, or as a late-night snack – however you choose to enjoy them, their yummy flavor is guaranteed to please.
For ultimate convenience, I often recommend making a double batch and freezing half. These cookies freeze exceptionally well, maintaining their deliciousness for several months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Pie Crust Cookies
Making these simple yet irresistible cookies requires just a few basic ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal requirements and incredible versatility:
- 1 box (2 crusts) Refrigerated Pie Crust, or your own homemade pie crusts – For maximum speed and convenience, especially when a sweet craving hits, using store-bought refrigerated pie crusts is highly recommended. They are consistently pliable and easy to work with. However, if you have a bit more time and prefer the rich flavor of homemade dough, I wholeheartedly suggest using my cherished family recipe for Grandma’s Homemade Pie Crust. It’s truly the best!
- 1 cup sugar or spice of your choice – The classic combination of white sugar and cinnamon is my personal favorite, yielding a warm, comforting flavor. However, don’t hesitate to get creative! Consider mixing in lemon zest with sugar for a bright, citrusy note, or trying almond sugar for a nutty sweetness, or even vanilla sugar for an added layer of aroma. The possibilities are endless to match your taste.
- Spray butter or egg wash – To achieve that beautiful golden sheen and help the sugar adhere, you have two excellent options. You can gently melt some butter and apply it with a spray bottle for an even coating, or you can opt for a simple egg wash. An egg wash is easily prepared by whisking a beaten egg with a touch of water until well combined. Both methods contribute to a wonderfully crisp and flavorful exterior.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Pie Crust Cookies
Creating these delightful pie crust cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these easy steps for a batch of perfectly golden, sweet treats:
FIRST: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a standard cookie sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup, making your baking experience even smoother.
SECOND: Roll Out the Dough. Carefully unroll your refrigerated pie crust dough onto a lightly floured surface. A dusting of flour on your countertop or pastry board is essential to prevent the dough from sticking. Using a rolling pin, gently and evenly roll the dough. Aim for a consistent thickness, but be mindful not to roll it too thin, as overly thin cookies can become brittle and burn easily during baking. A thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch is generally ideal for a sturdy yet crisp cookie.
THIRD: Cut Out Your Shapes. Now for the fun part! Unleash your creativity by using your favorite cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. Heart shapes are lovely for holidays, stars are always a hit, or simply use the rim of a glass for classic round cookies. Once cut, gently transfer these dough shapes to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for even baking.
FOURTH: Pierce the Cookies. To prevent the cookies from puffing up excessively and to ensure even baking, use the tines of a fork to gently poke several holes in the center of each cookie. This small step helps steam escape, resulting in a perfectly flat and crispy cookie.
FIFTH: Apply Coating. This step adds flavor and a beautiful golden finish. Spritz the cookies lightly with spray butter, ensuring an even coating. Immediately after, generously dust them with your choice of cinnamon sugar, plain granulated sugar, or any other flavored sugar blend you prefer. The butter helps the sugar adhere and creates a delicious, caramelized crust.
Alternatively, for a slightly different texture and shine, you can prepare an egg wash. Simply beat one egg white with 1 teaspoon of water until frothy. Then, use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the cookies with this mixture before sprinkling your chosen sugar blend on top.
SIXTH: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 7-9 minutes. The precise baking time can vary depending on the thickness of your dough; thicker cookies might need a full 9 to 9.5 minutes, while thinner ones could be done in as little as 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, removing them from the oven as soon as they reach a light golden brown color. It’s crucial not to let the edges turn dark brown, as this can indicate overbaking and a less tender cookie.
SEVENTH: Cool and Store. Once baked, carefully remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on racks ensures air circulation, helping them achieve their desired crispness. Store your delicious 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. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’ve fallen in love with this incredibly easy and delicious Pie Crust Cookie recipe, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Head over to Pinterest and pin it to your favorite recipe board before you navigate away. It’s the perfect way to keep this sweet treat handy for future baking sessions, holidays, or whenever you need a quick dessert idea!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pie Crust Cookies
Curious about how to get the most out of your pie crust cookies? Here are some common questions and detailed answers to help you perfect this simple treat:
How do I best utilize leftover pie crust? Leftover pie dough is a hidden gem in the kitchen, and transforming it into delicious cookies is one of the easiest and most rewarding uses! Simply roll out the dough, cut it into your desired shapes using cookie cutters or even a knife, dust generously with sugar (and cinnamon, if you love that combination like I do!), and bake until golden. The sugar and cinnamon mix is my personal favorite, offering a warm, comforting flavor. However, feel free to experiment with different sugar and spice blends to suit your palate. Beyond cookies, there are many other creative ways to use pie crust: you can freeze it for future use in savory dishes, turn it into delightful mini empanadas, craft homemade pop tarts, or use it as a flaky base for a quick quiche.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the pie crust? Adding sugar directly to the pie crust, in the context of these cookies, primarily serves to provide sweetness and a lovely caramelized exterior. While a standard pie crust recipe often doesn’t call for much sugar, as the filling typically provides enough sweetness, for these standalone cookies, the added sugar is key to their deliciousness. It gives them that classic cookie appeal and a delightful crunch.
How can I ensure my pie crust cookies are delightfully crispy? Achieving a wonderful crispy texture is paramount for pie crust cookies. The key lies in two main aspects: proper baking and surface treatment. First, ensure your cookies are baked until they reach a light golden brown, not just pale. Second, applying an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of water) or brushing the crust with a little melted butter before baking helps promote browning and crispness. These coatings not only enhance color but also create a barrier that contributes to a satisfying crunch.
Can I use frozen pie crust to make these cookies? While convenient, frozen pie crusts generally do not roll out as well as fresh, refrigerated pie crusts once thawed. The texture can become more brittle and prone to cracking, making it challenging to cut clean shapes and transfer them without breaking. For the best results and the easiest experience, I highly recommend sticking with refrigerated pie crusts. If you only have frozen, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before attempting to roll it, but be prepared for a potentially less cooperative dough.
Creative Substitutions for Your Pie Crust Cookies:
- Looking to elevate your cookies with a homemade touch instead of using store-bought dough? I’ve got you covered! You absolutely must try my Grandma’s Homemade Pie Crust. It offers an unmatched flavor and flakiness that will truly make these cookies shine.
- The flavor possibilities for these delightful cookies are virtually endless! Beyond the classic cinnamon sugar, consider dusting them with aromatic apple pie spice for a taste of autumn, or cozy pumpkin pie spice. For an extra festive treat, you could even try making these Pumpkin Spice Swirls using your leftover pie crust.
- For even more adventurous flavor explorations with sugar, follow these simple and inspiring instructions on how to create flavored sugars using various extracts. Imagine cookies with a hint of almond, lemon, or even rose!
- If you’re a fan of those beloved powdered sugar donuts, try this irresistible twist: bake your pie crust cookies as directed, then, once they’ve cooled down completely, generously dust them with a cloud of confectioners’ sugar. The contrast of the crispy crust and the sweet, delicate powder is simply divine.
Valuable Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pie Crust Cookies
- Room Temperature Dough is Key: Always bring your pie crust to room temperature before attempting to roll it out. Cold dough is stiff and prone to cracking, making it difficult to work with. Allowing it to warm up slightly will make it much more pliable and easier to handle.
- Flavoring Variety for Versatility: Keep an assortment of flavorings, such as different spices (nutmeg, cardamom), citrus zests, or even cocoa powder, readily available. This allows you to quickly adapt the cookies to different seasons, moods, or occasions, and also comes in handy for other baked goods.
- Cookie Cutter Collection: Invest in or gather a variety of cookie cutters in different shapes and sizes. This not only makes the baking process more fun but also allows you to create visually appealing cookies that are perfect for parties, gifts, or simply adding a festive touch to your snack time.
- Add a Pop of Color: For an extra special touch, especially for holidays or birthdays, consider tossing in some colorful sprinkles or other cake toppings onto the cookies before baking. They’ll add a delightful pop of color and an extra layer of festivity.
- Smart Storage Solutions: To maintain optimal freshness and crispness, store your baked pie crust cookies in an air-tight container on the counter for a few days. For longer-term enjoyment, they freeze beautifully for up to a few months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
More Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed making these simple pie crust cookies, you’re sure to find delight in these other fantastic recipes:
- For a rich and decadent treat, try these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies.
- If you’re a fan of nutty flavors, these Pecan Pie Crust Cookies offer a unique twist.
- Master the foundation of perfect pies with the Best Pie Crust Recipe (my grandma’s secret!).
- Learn an essential pie-making technique with this guide on How to Blind Bake a Pie Crust.
- It’s always pie season in my kitchen! Explore a wide range of my favorite pie recipes – you can see them all right here.
- And for all you cookie enthusiasts, don’t miss out on my extensive collection of Cookies Recipes available right here.
These simple pie crust cookies are an absolute delight and are guaranteed not to disappoint! Make a batch today and experience their charm for yourself. Grab a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, get comfortable, and prepare for some delightful dipping and savoring. You won’t regret it!
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Print Recipe
Pie Crust Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box (2 crusts) Refrigerated Pie Crust, or your favorite homemade pie crusts
- 1 cup granulated sugar or spice mixture of your choice
- Spray butter or egg wash (1 beaten egg white + 1 tsp water)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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Unroll the pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough to make it flat and even, ensuring not to roll it too thin (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
-
Using your favorite cookie cutters or the rim of a glass, cut out shapes from the dough. Carefully transfer these shapes to the prepared baking sheet.
-
With the tines of a fork, gently poke several holes in each cookie to prevent excessive puffing.
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Lightly spritz the cookies with spray butter, then generously dust them with your chosen plain or flavored sugar (e.g., cinnamon sugar).
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Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the cookies are a light golden brown. Baking time may vary based on dough thickness; thicker cookies might take 9-9.5 minutes, while thinner ones could be ready in 7 minutes.
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Ensure the edges do not turn dark brown, as this indicates overbaking.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and cool them completely on wire racks.
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Store your delicious pie crust cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Notes
The total number of cookies you’ll yield from this recipe will depend directly on the size and shape of the cookie cutters you choose to use.
Nutrition
This delightful recipe for Pie Crust Cookies was first shared on June 17, 2014. It has since been thoroughly updated and enhanced to improve user experience, and was proudly reshared on November 16, 2022.
