In the world of baking, leftover pie crust dough often lingers, waiting for its moment to shine. Enter Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies, a delightful creation that turns those scraps into a sweet treat. These cookies embody the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar, offering a nostalgic taste of home. In this article, we’ll explore how to make these simple yet satisfying cookies, infusing your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar.
Origins: Thrifty Ingenuity
The tradition of repurposing pie crust scraps into cookies is a testament to the resourcefulness of bakers. Rather than wasting any bit of their carefully crafted pie crust, frugal cooks found a way to turn those remnants into a delicious snack. Over time, this practice became a cherished tradition in many households, passed down through generations.
Ingredients: The Essentials
To create your own batch of Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies, you’ll need:
- Leftover pie crust dough, rolled out into a thin sheet
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for warmth and flavor
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions: Crafting Sweet Delights
1. Prepare the Pie Crust Dough:
- Begin by rolling out your leftover pie crust dough into a thin, uniform sheet. A dusting of flour can help prevent sticking if needed.
2. Mix Cinnamon and Sugar:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of cinnamon throughout the sugar. This cinnamon sugar blend will be the key to the irresistible flavor of your cookies.
3. Brush with Butter:
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the rolled-out pie crust dough with the melted unsalted butter. This step not only adds richness but also helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough.
4. Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, making sure to cover it entirely. The sugar will caramelize during baking, creating a delightful crunch.
5. Roll and Slice:
- Carefully roll the pie crust dough into a log, starting from one end. This log will contain all the delicious layers of cinnamon sugar goodness.
- Once rolled, slice the log into rounds approximately 1/2-inch thick. These rounds will transform into your delectable cookies.
6. Arrange and Bake:
- Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for expansion during baking. This arrangement ensures that the cookies bake evenly and become wonderfully golden brown.
7. Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the ideal baking environment for your cookies.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they take on a beautiful golden brown hue and the aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies to cool on a wire rack. The cooling process sets the cookies, giving them a delightful crunch with a hint of chewiness.
- Once cooled, savor the sweet nostalgia with every bite. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a cozy treat with your favorite hot beverage.
Tips: Enhancing the Experience
- Get creative by adding a touch of chopped nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of honey over the rolled-out dough before slicing it into cookies. These additions can elevate the flavor and texture of your cookies, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
- These cookies make a delightful accompaniment to a cup of tea, coffee, or as a crunchy topping for ice cream. They also make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in decorative jars or bags, spreading the joy of homemade sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies are more than just a solution for pie crust scraps; they’re a reminder of the simple joys of baking. Each bite offers the comforting warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar, transporting you to cherished moments of homemade goodness. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover pie crust dough, turn it into these delightful cookies and relish in the simple pleasure of homemade sweetness.
These cookies capture the essence of tradition and resourcefulness, transforming humble remnants into delectable bites of nostalgia. Whether enjoyed during a cozy evening at home or shared with loved ones, Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies are a testament to the joys of baking and the art of savoring life’s sweet moments.
