Pie Crust Snacking Cookies are the simplest little treat that somehow deliver big on both nostalgia and flavor—just what you need when that sweet tooth strikes! These buttery, flaky cookies start with leftover pie dough (or a store-bought crust in a pinch) and are transformed with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and a quick bake. What results is a cookie that’s irresistibly crisp, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent. If you’ve never tried turning pie crust into cookies, you’re in for such a fun baking project—one that’s perfect for spontaneous snacking or sharing with friends over coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how few ingredients you actually need—yet every one of them makes a difference, whether it’s a pop of spice or a touch of rich, golden color. Grab your pie crust and let the magic begin.
- Pie crust: The backbone of our cookies, you can absolutely use a leftover homemade crust or go for the store-bought kind for convenience.
- Unsalted butter: Brushing this on gives the cookies that unmistakable rich, golden flavor and helps the sugar stick.
- Granulated sugar: This brings the perfect touch of sweetness and caramelizes just slightly during baking.
- Ground cinnamon: A must for warmth and that classic cookie aroma—it truly transforms these snacking cookies.
- Coarse sugar (optional): For those who crave a little extra snap and sparkle; it’s so pretty, too!
How to Make Pie Crust Snacking Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F, and while it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a total breeze, so you can focus on the fun part—decorating and eating.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your pie crust so it’s nice and even. If it’s store-bought, a quick roll can help smooth out any cracks and create the perfect canvas for your toppings.
Step 3: Brush with Melted Butter
Taking a pastry brush, sweep over the entire surface of the dough with the melted butter. Don’t be shy here—a generous coat ensures each bite is extra buttery and flavorful.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Liberally dust this sweet mixture right over the buttered crust so every bite is packed with classic cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Step 5: Cut Your Cookie Shapes
Now comes the fun part! Grab a pizza cutter, sharp knife, or your favorite cookie cutters and cut the dough into strips, squares, or shapes. This is where Pie Crust Snacking Cookies can show off your creativity—no two batches need to look the same.
Step 6: Add a Crunchy Topping
If you’re going for extra texture, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top of the shapes. It adds irresistible crunch and sparkle—totally optional, but highly recommended!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the shaped cookies on your prepared baking sheet, leaving just a little space between each one. Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—they’ll crisp up beautifully as they finish cooling!
How to Serve Pie Crust Snacking Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar always looks gorgeous if you want that finishing touch. For extra flair, you could add a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a few bright sprinkles, especially if you’re making these for kids or a festive table.
Side Dishes
These cookies are brilliant alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, but they’re equally lovely with cold milk or even nestled next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a mason jar, tie them up in a ribbon for edible gifts, or build a cookie “tower” for a charming brunch display. Since Pie Crust Snacking Cookies are so customizable, they’re perfect for themed occasions—use cookie cutters to match any holiday or celebration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the cookies cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly crisp at room temperature for up to five days, which is ideal for grabbing a quick snack whenever you crave something special.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled Pie Crust Snacking Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid; then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to snack again.
Reheating
If your cookies have softened a bit, just pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This will bring the crispness right back and make them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust gives the cookies even more flavor and flakiness. Just roll it out as you would for a pie, and continue with the recipe as written.
What other spices can I use besides cinnamon?
Get creative—try mixing in nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of ginger for a warming twist. You can create your own signature Pie Crust Snacking Cookies this way!
Can I make these Pie Crust Snacking Cookies savory?
Yes! Swap the cinnamon sugar for a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or Italian herbs for a fantastic savory snack that’s perfect for cheese boards or soup dipping.
How do I keep the cookies from becoming soggy?
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing, and always keep them in an airtight container. If you’re in a humid climate, consider adding a food-safe silica packet to help absorb excess moisture.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
No problem! Simply use more or less pie crust and adjust the topping quantities accordingly. These cookies are super flexible whether you want just a handful or a big batch to share.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in making (and eating) Pie Crust Snacking Cookies—especially since they turn simple pastry leftovers into something truly crave-worthy. Give them a go and see how quickly they disappear from your kitchen counter. I can’t wait for you to bake up a batch and find your own favorite way to enjoy these delightful cookies!
Print
Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies (depending on cut size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pie Crust Snacking Cookies are a delightful way to use up leftover pie dough. With a simple cinnamon sugar topping, these crispy treats are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Pie Crust Snacking Cookies:
- 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface if needed. Brush evenly with melted butter.
- Prepare the sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the buttered crust.
- Cut and bake: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the crust into desired shapes. Place on the baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies are perfect for using up leftover pie dough.
- For variety, try different toppings like nutmeg, cocoa powder, or Parmesan cheese.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
