If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines simplicity with satisfying crunch, the Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are irresistibly crisp, wonderfully buttery, and just sweet enough thanks to a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Whether you whip them up as a quick afternoon snack or a charming dessert accompaniment, this recipe turns humble pie crust dough into little edible treasures that everyone will love. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this clever twist on classic snacking sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these charming Pie Crust Snacking Cookies, all you need are a few simple pantry staples that create a truly memorable flavor and texture combination. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the cookie’s crispness, sweetness, and aroma.
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought): The buttery base that forms the perfect crispy canvas for this recipe.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling): Adds the essential sweetness and creates a beautiful caramelized finish when baked.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional): For a touch of warm, spicy flavor that elevates these cookies from simple to spectacular.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere beautifully while giving the cookies a lovely golden sheen.
How to Make Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures an even bake and prevents sticking, setting the stage for perfectly crisp cookies.
Step 2: Brush and Sprinkle
Roll out your pie crust gently to even thickness. Brush the surface generously with the beaten egg wash, which acts as a sticky base for the sugar and cinnamon topping. Then combine your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the crust, creating that signature sweet and slightly spiced crunch.
Step 3: Cut and Shape
Cut the dough into strips for twisting or rounds if you prefer flat cookies. Twisting the strips introduces an attractive texture and enhances their flakiness while choices in shapes make your snacking cookies visually fun and perfect for sharing.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your shaped cookies on the baking sheet, ensuring enough space between each one for expansion. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp. The aroma alone will have you eagerly awaiting their arrival!
Step 5: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This step lets them firm up perfectly, giving every bite the ideal snap and crunch that makes the Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a touch of elegance and extra flavor. For a festive twist, sprinkle a pinch of colored sugar crystals before baking to brighten up cookie platters.
Side Dishes
The wonderful thing about this Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe is how versatile it is. Pair these crispy delights with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy as a crunchy contrast alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe in pretty jars or rustic baskets tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also serve them alongside small bowls of dipping sauces like caramel or fruit preserves to add interactive fun to snack time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and crisp for up to 3 days. To maintain their delightful snap, avoid refrigeration which can introduce moisture and soften the cookies.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked cut cookies on a parchment-lined tray for 1 to 2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This makes it easy to have freshly baked cookies anytime!
Reheating
If your cookies lose a bit of their crunch, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick refresh brings back their crisp texture and enhances their buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a gluten-free pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free pie crust works just as well and offers the same delightful crispiness. Just be sure the crust is sturdy enough to handle baking without breaking apart.
Is cinnamon necessary in the Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe?
Cinnamon is optional but highly recommended as it adds warmth and complexity. If you’re not a fan, you can simply omit it and rely on the sugar for sweetness or experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
Can I make these cookies vegan-friendly?
Yes, you can swap the egg wash with plant-based milk or aquafaba to help the sugar stick and get some browning. Just be aware the texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious!
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and crispy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or small get-togethers.
What is the best way to cut the dough for different shapes?
You can use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut strips, then twist them for a fun shape. For rounds, use a small cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. Both shapes bake beautifully and offer slightly different textures for variety.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly wonderful about transforming a humble pie crust into a batch of crisp, sweet, and flavorful snacking cookies. This Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that bring joy with every bite. Give it a try next time you want a quick, crowd-pleasing snack that feels a little extra special without any fuss. Happy baking!
Print
Pie Crust Snacking Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pie Crust Snacking Cookies are a quick and delightful treat made from simple pie crust dough, sugar, and cinnamon. Perfect for a sweet snack or a light dessert, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden, crispy perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
Pie Crust Base
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings and Wash
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Using a brush, evenly coat the dough with the beaten egg wash to help the sugar and cinnamon stick and promote browning.
- Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together thoroughly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the egg-washed dough for sweet, spiced flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Cut the dough into strips or rounds using a knife or cookie cutters. You can twist the strips for a fun shape or leave the discs flat for classic cookie shapes.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown and are crispy to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure maximum crispness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- If you prefer softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter for cleaner edges when cutting the shapes.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with coarse sugar crystals for added crunch and sparkle.
