Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies: A Symphony of Sweet Elegance

Step into a realm of sweet nostalgia and irresistible aromas with our Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies. These delicate bites are a celebration of simplicity, transforming leftover pie crust into golden, cinnamon-kissed treasures. Join us on a journey where minimal ingredients meet maximum flavor, creating a treat that not only captivates your taste buds but also transports you to cherished moments of homemade goodness.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust Cookies:

Leftover pie crust (or store-bought if unavailable)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust

Roll out the leftover pie crust on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.

Step 3: Brush with Butter

Brush the entire surface of the pie crust with melted butter, ensuring an even coating.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pie crust.

Step 5: Cut Out Shapes

Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes from the pie crust. Gather and re-roll any scraps to maximize the number of cookies.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the cut-out shapes on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 7: Optional Glaze (if desired)

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.

Cook Notes

Ensure that the pie crust is well-chilled before rolling it out for better handling.

Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for a festive touch.

Variations

Chai Spice Infusion

Enhance the cinnamon sugar mixture with a pinch of chai spice for a warm and aromatic twist.

Citrus Zest Elevation

Add finely grated orange or lemon zest to the cinnamon sugar for a burst of citrusy freshness.

Nutty Crunch Dimension

Incorporate finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) into the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture.

Keto Version

For those following a keto lifestyle, savor the sweetness with these modifications:

For the Pie Crust Cookies:

Use a keto-friendly pie crust recipe, replacing traditional flour with almond or coconut flour.

Substitute granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.

For the Glaze (if desired):

Create a glaze using powdered erythritol or another keto-friendly sweetener.

Additional Variations:

Experiment with different keto-friendly flours to find the perfect crust texture.

Low-Carb Version

Trim down the carbs without compromising on flavor:

For the Pie Crust Cookies:

Opt for a low-carb pie crust recipe, utilizing almond or coconut flour.
Replace granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener.

For the Glaze (if desired):

Craft a glaze using powdered erythritol or another low-carb sweetener.

Additional Variations:

Explore different low-carb flours to achieve a delightful cookie texture.

In conclusion, Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies are a testament to the art of transforming humble leftovers into delightful creations that evoke the warmth of homemade goodness. Whether you follow the classic recipe, embark on keto or low-carb adaptations, or experiment with unique variations, the result is a batch of golden-brown treats that capture the essence of sweet simplicity. Share these cookies with loved ones, serve them at gatherings, or indulge in a moment of sweetness on your own. Let the aroma of cinnamon, the buttery flakiness of the crust, and the touch of sweetness transport you to a place where every bite is a reminder of the simple joys of baking. Enjoy every moment of this sweet symphony!