Flaky & Sweet Pie Crust Cookies: Your New Favorite Easy Dessert Idea

Imagine a dessert so deceptively simple, yet utterly delightful, that it redefines your perception of one of baking’s most fundamental components: pie crust. Welcome to the world of Pie Crust Cookies! This ingenious treat celebrates the buttery, flaky perfection of a good pie crust, allowing it to shine on its own, without any filling needed. If you’ve ever found yourself nibbling on raw pie dough or savoring the golden edges of a baked pie before it’s even cooled, then these cookies are destined to become your next obsession.

The Irresistible Charm of Pie Crust Cookies: A Simple Indulgence

The inspiration for these delightful cookies often springs from a very relatable baking dilemma: what to do with that extra pie dough? Or, perhaps, a realization that your pie crust recipe is so exceptional, it truly deserves its own moment in the spotlight. That’s precisely how these Pie Crust Cookies came to be—born from the desire for a light, subtly sweet companion to a batch of homemade Lemon Curd. We’d seen similar ideas from fellow food enthusiasts like Big Red Kitchen, and the simplicity was just too appealing to resist.

Forget complicated ingredient lists or intricate decorating. These cookies are all about pure flavor and texture. With just a few basic steps, you can transform what might have been mere scraps into a batch of crisp, golden, and incredibly satisfying cookies. They offer that delicate balance of a tender interior and a crisp exterior, with a buttery richness that makes them truly addictive. They’re a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest ideas yield the most delicious results.

Crafting Your Perfect Pie Crust Cookie: Homemade or Store-Bought?

While the idea of using frozen pie crust for a quick batch of Pie Crust Cookies is incredibly appealing for its sheer convenience – simply unroll, cut, and bake – there’s something truly special about a homemade crust. The recipe we’re sharing here is very similar to our go-to pie crust recipe, perfected over years of baking. However, for cookies that need to stand alone as a sweet treat, we like to make ours a touch sweeter than a traditional savory pie crust. This subtle adjustment enhances their cookie appeal, making them perfect for snacking.

Whether you opt for the convenience of store-bought or the satisfaction of homemade, the core principles remain the same: a great, flaky dough is key. If you choose to make your dough from scratch, remember that the quality of your ingredients and how you handle the dough will directly impact the final texture. Cold butter (or shortening) and minimal handling are secrets to achieving that coveted flakiness. For those busy days, a good quality pre-made pie crust provides an excellent shortcut without compromising too much on taste. Either way, you’re just minutes away from a warm, freshly baked cookie experience.

Beyond the Basic: Customizing Your Pie Crust Cookies

The beauty of Pie Crust Cookies lies not only in their simplicity but also in their versatility. While a sprinkle of plain sugar is classic and delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and shapes. Cookie cutters can transform simple dough into whimsical stars, hearts, or flowers, making them perfect for holidays or themed gatherings. For a different flavor profile, consider dusting them with cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting spice kick, or a fine sugar mixed with a hint of nutmeg or cardamom.

You can also experiment with different glazes post-baking. A simple powdered sugar glaze, perhaps flavored with vanilla, almond extract, or citrus zest, can add an extra layer of sweetness and elegance. For a more decadent touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel would turn these humble cookies into a sophisticated dessert. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these cookies to your taste or the occasion. Whether you prefer them sweet and plain or adorned with extra flair, the inherent flaky goodness of the pie crust will always shine through, creating a truly memorable treat.

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Pie Crust Cookies

Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup shortening
1 egg
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
5 tablespoons cold water
Sugar for dusting
1 egg white
1 teaspoon water

Instructions

In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar; stir to blend thoroughly. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step should only take a minute or two.
In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Then, stir in the vinegar and 4 tablespoons of cold water. Keep the remaining 1 tablespoon of water reserved, as you may not need it all.
Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Continue to blend with your pastry cutter until a soft dough begins to form. If the dough appears too dry, carefully add small amounts from the reserved 1 tablespoon of water, being cautious not to make the dough overly wet or sticky.
Gather the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period helps the gluten relax and makes the dough easier to roll.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to a thickness of less than 1/8 inch. The thinner you roll the dough, the crisper and flakier your cookies will be.
Slice the rolled-out dough into any shapes you prefer, such as strips, squares, or triangles. Alternatively, use your favorite cookie cutters for fun and festive shapes.
Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the other half of the dough, or wrap and refrigerate it for another use later.
Place the cut dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the cookies with this egg wash, then generously sprinkle them with sugar.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as thin cookies can bake quickly. Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

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Perfect Pairings: Enjoying Your Flaky Pie Crust Cookies

These delicate Pie Crust Cookies are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of beverages and spreads. As mentioned, they were originally conceived as a light cookie to pair with our homemade Lemon Curd, and the combination is simply divine. The bright, tangy notes of the lemon curd beautifully complement the rich, buttery flavor of the flaky crust, creating a harmonious afternoon treat.

Beyond lemon curd, consider serving them with other fruit spreads like raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or even a simple apple butter. For those who enjoy a chocolatey touch, a dollop of Nutella or a light chocolate ganache can elevate these cookies into a more indulgent experience. They are also fantastic on their own, perhaps dipped in a warm cup of coffee, a soothing tea, or a glass of milk. Their elegant simplicity makes them suitable for a casual snack or as part of a more elaborate dessert platter.

Tips for Flawless Pie Crust Cookies Every Time

Achieving perfect Pie Crust Cookies is easy, especially if you keep a few key tips in mind.

Keep Ingredients Cold: Just like with traditional pie crust, cold shortening (or butter) and cold water are essential for flaky results. This prevents the fat from melting too quickly and helps create those desirable pockets of steam during baking.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined. Overworking the dough develops gluten too much, leading to tough rather than tender cookies.
Roll Thin: For the crispiest cookies, aim for a thickness of less than 1/8 inch. A thinner cookie will bake up lighter and more delicate.
Even Baking: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Bake until the edges are just golden, as they can quickly go from perfect to overbaked due to their thinness.
Storage: Store cooled Pie Crust Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They retain their crispness surprisingly well.
Creative Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to simple cuts. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters or create unique designs with a knife for a personalized touch.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure every batch of your Pie Crust Cookies is a resounding success!

Why These Simple Pie Crust Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite

These delightful Pie Crust Cookies offer a trifecta of benefits: they’re incredibly easy to make, remarkably delicious, and they ingeniously help reduce food waste by utilizing leftover pie dough. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe provides a quick and satisfying way to create a memorable sweet treat. Their simple elegance makes them perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a charming addition to a dessert spread. Once you experience the flaky, buttery goodness of these cookies, you’ll find yourself looking forward to making pie crust, just so you can have the “leftovers” for this fantastic recipe!

How about some more cookie ideas? Explore these delightful recipes from our kitchen:

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Warm & Comforting Maple Glazed Oatmeal Cookies

Decadent Cream Cheese Chocolate Croissant Cookies

Aromatic Cinnamon Pecan Butter Cookies

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies: Irresistibly Chewy

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We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful Pie Crust Cookies as much as we do. Their simplicity, combined with their incredible flavor and flaky texture, makes them a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you use leftover dough or make a fresh batch just for these, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media and connect for more delicious ideas!