Unlock the secret to an effortlessly delicious treat with these incredible 4-Ingredient Pie Crust Cookies. Whether you have a roll of refrigerated pie crust from the grocery store or a batch of homemade dough, these cookies are remarkably simple to prepare and deliver an irresistibly flaky, sweet, and comforting flavor. Perfect for a quick dessert, a delightful snack, or even a clever way to use up leftover pie dough, these cookies are a game-changer for any home baker.
Discover the Magic of Pie Crust Cookies
Every home baker knows the value of keeping a refrigerated pie crust handy. It’s an indispensable item, especially during holiday seasons when a last-minute pie might be needed. But what about those times you only use one crust, or find yourself with leftover scraps from a double-crust pie? Don’t let that precious dough go to waste! That’s where the brilliance of these easy Pie Crust Cookies shines. They transform humble leftover dough into a delightful, crispy, and flavorful treat that everyone will adore.
These versatile cookies offer endless possibilities for customization. While a classic cinnamon and sugar combination is always a hit, feel free to experiment with your favorite jams, sprinkles, or other sweet toppings. Their delicate crunch makes them ideal for dipping into sweet glazes, melted chocolate, or even your favorite coffee or tea. Imagine a simple, elegant dessert that requires minimal effort but tastes like it took hours!
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability in terms of shape and style. You can create them in a couple of distinct ways, depending on the occasion or your personal preference.
For a flat, dippable cookie, perfect for serving with various sweet dips, you can roll out the dough and use fun cookie cutters to create stars, hearts, circles, or any shape you desire. These flat cookies bake up beautifully crisp, making them excellent for a dessert platter or a thoughtful gift. Their simplicity allows the rich, buttery flavor of the pie crust to truly shine, complemented by the sweet spice topping.
Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a cookie with more visual appeal, resembling miniature cinnamon rolls, you can roll the dough into a log after adding your toppings and then slice it. This method yields charming, spiral-shaped cookies that are soft in the center and slightly crispy on the edges. They’re perfect for a breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, offering a delightful texture contrast that is sure to please.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pie Crust Cookies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list, making it a perfect last-minute treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pie Crust: One 14.1 oz package of refrigerated pie crust or an equivalent amount of homemade pie dough. The quality of your crust significantly impacts the final cookie, so choose a buttery, flaky option.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for that warm, aromatic flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar provides the perfect sweetness and creates a lovely crispy coating.
- Butter or Butter Spray: This acts as a binder for the cinnamon sugar and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
For convenience, I often reach for butter spray as it’s quick and ensures an even coating. However, if you prefer, simply melt a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter and use a pastry brush to gently spread it over the pie crust. This method also works wonderfully and can add a richer, more pronounced butter flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of butter to your liking; more butter will result in a slightly chewier cookie.
While cinnamon is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to customize the flavors. You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness, or mix in other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. These cookies are truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Recommended Equipment for Perfect Pie Crust Cookies
Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a quick list of equipment that will help you achieve perfect pie crust cookies every time:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential. I highly recommend using baking sheets with raised edges. This simple feature prevents any accidental spills or, dare I say, cookies from sliding off into the oven when you’re moving them!
- Cookie Cutters: If you plan to make fun shapes, cookie cutters are a must. They come in an endless variety of designs, from classic circles and squares to festive hearts or holiday-themed shapes. For a Valentine’s Day treat, these heart cookie cutters are absolutely perfect.
- Parchment Paper: My absolute favorite baking hack! Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup incredibly easy and ensures your cookies don’t stick. It also promotes even baking and helps them slide right off the sheet after cooling.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first in the kitchen! A few years ago, a cloth potholder accidentally caught fire near a burner, leading to a scary moment. Since then, I’ve switched exclusively to heat-resistant silicone potholders. They offer superior protection and peace of mind when handling hot baking sheets.
Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Pie Crust Cookies
These simple cookies are hard to mess up, but a few tips can elevate them from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Shape it Your Way: The beauty of pie crust cookies is their versatility. If you plan to serve them with a sweet dip, such as a delicious praline dip or a creamy fruit dip, cutting them into squares or strips makes them incredibly easy to handle and dunk. For a more festive look, use holiday-themed cookie cutters.
- Don’t Waste a Crumb: Always bake the scrap pieces of dough! Even if they’re oddly shaped, they still taste just as delicious. These “funky” pieces are often the first to disappear, especially among children who love their rustic charm.
- Sweetness to Taste: If you have a serious sweet tooth, feel free to double the amount of cinnamon and sugar. You can also sprinkle a little extra sugar over the cookies immediately after baking for an added sparkle and crunch.
- Add a Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze takes these cookies to the next level. To make one, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons of milk (or water, or lemon juice for a zesty kick) and whisk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle or spread it over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Prevent Burning: Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Pie crust can brown quickly due to its butter content. You want them golden brown, not burnt!
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven. This is crucial for them to firm up and become delightfully crispy. Transferring them too soon might cause them to break or lose their crispness.
Simple 4-Ingredient Pie Crust Cookies Recipe
These quick and easy Pie Crust Cookies are perfect for using up leftover pie dough or simply whipping up a delightful treat in minutes. Enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or with your favorite sweet spreads!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Servings: 16 cookies
- Calories per serving: 128 kcal
- Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 14.1 oz refrigerated pie crust (one sheet)
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Butter spray or 1-2 Tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the white sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well until thoroughly mixed, then set aside.
- Carefully unroll one pie crust onto your prepared baking sheet or a clean, lightly floured surface. Spray the entire surface of the pie crust generously with butter spray (or brush evenly with melted butter).
- Sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pie crust.
- Gently flip the pie crust over. Repeat the process: spray the second side with butter spray (or brush with melted butter) and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
- Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutters, cut the dough into your desired shapes. You can make strips, squares, or use cookie cutters for fun designs. For a “cinnamon roll” effect, carefully roll the entire dough sheet into a log, then slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Place the cut cookies onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and crispy. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your cookies.
- Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
- Serve and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
- Small bowl for mixing cinnamon sugar
- Knife or cookie cutters
- Pastry brush (if using melted butter)
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 128
- Calories from Fat: 63
- Fat: 7g (11% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 2g (13% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 102mg (4% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 26mg (1% Daily Value)
- Carbohydrates: 16g (5% Daily Value)
- Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
- Sugar: 3g (3% Daily Value)
- Protein: 2g (4% Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 2IU (0% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 10mg (1% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
More Easy Dessert Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed these incredibly simple pie crust cookies, you’ll love exploring these other fuss-free dessert ideas:
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
- Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Mississippi Mud Cake
- Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies
- 3-Ingredient Brownie Mix Cookies
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