Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself with leftover pie dough and wondered what to do with it, I have the perfect answer for you: the Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe. These little golden bites capture the buttery flakiness of pie crust, kissed with warm cinnamon sugar, transforming simple ingredients into a delightfully addictive treat. Whether it’s a quick snack between meals or a charming accompaniment to afternoon tea, these cookies bring cozy comfort and irresistible crunch in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using just a handful of pantry staples that each play a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the rich buttery base to the sweet and spicy sugar topping, every ingredient works in harmony to create a cookie you’ll crave again and again.
- Pie crust (1 sheet): The essential flaky, buttery base that makes these cookies uniquely tender and crisp.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Provides sweetness and a delightful crunchy texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the sugar coating for that classic flavor combo.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Optional add-ins: Finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips add texture and a bit of surprise in every bite.
- Icing (powdered sugar and milk, optional): A light drizzle adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy clean-up and helps your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Roll and Butter the Pie Crust
If your pie crust isn’t pre-rolled, gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface to maintain that perfect thinness. Then, brush the entire surface evenly with melted unsalted butter. This step locks in moisture and prepares the dough to hold that scrumptious cinnamon sugar topping.
Step 3: Mix and Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture generously and evenly over the buttered crust. The sugar will caramelize beautifully during baking, giving these cookies their signature sweet crunch.
Step 4: Add Optional Toppings
For an extra twist, lightly scatter finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips over the sugar layer. These add-ins give delightful pops of texture and flavor that make the cookies even more enjoyable.
Step 5: Cut the Dough
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into your preferred shapes—strips, squares, or fun shapes if you’re feeling creative. The size is up to you, but smaller pieces work great for easy snacking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your cut pieces to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they crisp evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crisp along the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Icing
Allow the cookies to cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, feel free to drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or finely chopped nuts on top just before serving to elevate the look and provide an extra crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, snowy effect.
Side Dishes
Pair these snacking cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even hot cocoa. They also complement fresh fruit or a small bowl of vanilla yogurt beautifully when served as a light dessert or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these cookies on a charming wooden board or a vintage plate alongside small bowls of dipping sauces—like melted chocolate or caramel—turns a simple snack into a delightful mini dessert experience that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Pie Crust Snacking Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to three days, perfect for snacking anytime without losing their delightful crunch.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to a month.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm and crisp again, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works beautifully and adds a lovely personal touch, though refrigerated dough is a quick, convenient option that tastes just as delicious.
What other toppings can I add to these cookies?
Besides nuts and mini chocolate chips, you might try a sprinkle of coarse sugar, dried fruit bits, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking for a different flavor profile.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Yes, these cookies are a fantastic snack for kids because they are sweet but not overly so, easy to hold, and fun to make together. Plus, the cinnamon sugar flavor usually wins over little taste buds.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust substitute. Many store-bought options are available, or you can make your own with gluten-free flour blends. The baking time and texture remain similar.
How sweet are the Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe?
They have a pleasant sweetness from the cinnamon sugar topping that’s balanced by the buttery pie crust. If you prefer sweeter treats, adding an icing drizzle is a great way to amp up the sweetness without overwhelming the natural flavors.
Final Thoughts
From its simple ingredients to its delightful crispiness, the Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe is a treasure for anyone looking to turn leftover dough into a quick, satisfying treat. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and utterly delicious. I encourage you to try them yourself—you’ll find it hard to eat just one!
Print
Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 20 small cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pie Crust Snacking Cookies are a delightful way to transform leftover pie dough into a crispy, sweet treat. Rolled with cinnamon sugar and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, they bake into golden, bite-sized cookies perfect for snacking or serving with tea.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet refrigerated or homemade pie crust (rolled out)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- Finely chopped nuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Drizzle of icing (powdered sugar mixed with milk)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the pie crust onto a lightly floured surface if it isn’t pre-rolled yet. This makes it easier to spread and shape.
- Brush with Butter: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the pie crust with the melted unsalted butter, which helps the sugar mixture stick and adds richness.
- Mix Sugar and Spices: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, creating a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend.
- Sprinkle Sugar Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered crust so every bite is sweet and flavorful.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add a light sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
- Cut Dough Shapes: Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips, squares, or any fun shapes you like for easy snacking.
- Arrange for Baking: Transfer the cut pieces to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even baking and crisp edges.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown and crisp to the touch.
- Cool and Optional Icing: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk once fully cooled.
Notes
- These snacking cookies offer a fantastic way to use leftover pie dough that might otherwise go to waste.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Perfect as a sweet snack any time of day or a charming addition to tea time.
- You can customize the cookies by incorporating your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
