What to Do With Leftover Pie Crust
Don't let leftover pie crust go to waste. You've got plenty of delicious options to transform those scraps into tasty treats. Try making pie crust cookies by cutting shapes and sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar. Roll out the dough for hand pies or galettes, filling them with fruit or savory ingredients. Cinnamon sugar twists offer a sweet and crispy snack, while jam-filled pop-tarts make for a homemade breakfast treat. For chocolate lovers, stuff small dough rounds with chips for a gooey surprise. You can even create savory pizza roll-ups for a fun appetizer. If you're not ready to use the dough immediately, store it properly for future baking adventures. The versatility of leftover pie crust might surprise you.
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The Spatula Scoops
- Transform leftover pie dough into cookies by cutting shapes and adding cinnamon sugar for flavor.
- Create ragmuffins by rolling out scraps, spreading butter, and sprinkling brown sugar for a sweet treat.
- Make hand pies or galettes with fruit fillings for versatile sweet or savory options.
- Turn dough into cinnamon sugar twists by cutting strips, twisting, and baking until crispy.
- Use leftover crust to make homemade pop-tarts, chocolate-stuffed delights, or savory pizza roll-ups.
Pie Crust Cookies
Pie crust cookies are a delightful way to use up leftover pie dough. Whether you have small scraps or an entire disk of dough, you can easily transform them into tasty treats. To make these cookies, gather your leftover pie dough and roll it out to a 1/4 inch thickness. Using cookie cutters or a knife, cut the dough into your desired shapes. You've got the freedom to be creative here, so don't hesitate to experiment with different sizes and designs. For best results, consider using a Silpat baking mat to guarantee even baking and easy release of your cookies.
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, you can brush the cookies with an egg wash and sprinkle them with a cinnamon sugar mixture. This step isn't mandatory, but it'll enhance both the taste and appearance of your cookies. Once you've prepared your shapes, place them on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated 425°F oven. They'll only need a few minutes to bake until they're puffed and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once cooled, you can enjoy these pie crust cookies on their own or serve them alongside other desserts like ice cream or pudding.
Ragmuffins: A No-Waste Treat
You'll love learning about ragmuffins, a thrifty tradition passed down from Nanny to Honaker. These no-waste treats are made by rolling out leftover pie dough scraps, smearing them with butter, and dusting them with brown sugar. For best results, consider using a high-quality baking pan to guarantee even heating and browning. The result is a perfect balance of flaky and gooey textures, creating a sweet treat that's become a lasting favorite in Honaker's household.
Nanny's Thrifty Tradition
Honaker's great-grandmother, affectionately known as Nanny, passed down a thrifty tradition that's stood the record of time. This recipe, called ragmuffins, transforms leftover pie dough scraps into a delicious treat. Instead of discarding these scraps, Nanny taught Honaker to roll them out and create something new. It's a simple yet effective way to reduce waste in the kitchen.
You'll find that making ragmuffins is a practical application of Nanny's lessons on thrift. When you're rolling out pie dough, save those extra bits. You can easily turn them into a sweet snack that's perfect for afternoon tea. This tradition became especially valuable to Honaker when she was a single mother, helping her make the most of every ingredient.
Today, Honaker continues to honor Nanny's memory by making ragmuffins with her children. When they see the rolling pin come out, they know they're in for a treat. It's a document to how a simple, waste-reducing recipe can become a cherished family tradition, connecting generations through shared experiences and flavors.
Flaky, Gooey Perfection
Once you've gathered your leftover pie dough scraps, it's time to transform them into delicious ragmuffins. These flaky, gooey treats are fundamentally pie crust cookies that make the most of your scraps of pie dough. To create these bite-sized delights, roll out the dough into a thin layer on parchment paper. Sprinkle generously with sugar and cinnamon, then roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into small pieces and bake until golden brown.
The result is a perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey interior, reminiscent of miniature cinnamon rolls. You'll love how these ragmuffins melt in your mouth, offering a satisfying sweetness with every bite. They're delicious on their own or paired with a cup of tea, just as the author and her Nanny used to enjoy them.
Once cooled, store your ragmuffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For an extra touch of indulgence, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving. By making ragmuffins, you're not only creating a tasty treat but also honoring a thrifty tradition that reduces waste in the kitchen.
Hand Pies and Galettes
When you're faced with leftover pie crust, hand pies and galettes offer versatile options for both sweet and savory creations. You'll find that fruit fillings work wonderfully in these rustic desserts, allowing you to experiment with seasonal produce or pantry staples. Using a French rolling pin can provide better control and precision when rolling out the dough for these treats, ensuring an even thickness for perfect baking results. These easy-to-make treats don't require perfect shaping or intricate techniques, making them ideal for novice bakers and experienced pastry chefs alike.
Versatile Fruit Fillings
Leftover pie crust opens up a world of possibilities for creating delicious hand pies and galettes with versatile fruit fillings. Whether you've made homemade pie dough or have store-bought leftovers, you can transform them into mouthwatering treats. Hand pies and galettes are perfect for using up that extra pie crust while showcasing a variety of fruit fillings.
You'll find that the options for fruit fillings are nearly endless. From classic apple to juicy berries or luscious stone fruits, you can customize your creations to suit your taste or take advantage of seasonal produce. The beauty of these rustic desserts lies in their simplicity and flexibility. To make them, simply fold the pie dough around your chosen filling, creating a flaky, buttery crust that perfectly complements the sweet fruit inside.
One of the best things about hand pies and galettes is their convenience. You can bake them ahead of time and freeze them for later enjoyment. This makes them an ideal dessert option for busy days or unexpected guests. With leftover pie dough and versatile fruit fillings, you're always prepared to whip up a delightful treat.
Easy Rustic Desserts
Easy rustic desserts like hand pies and galettes frequently steal the show when it comes to using leftover pie crust. These versatile treats offer a delicious way to transform your excess dough into mouthwatering creations. Hand pies are perfect for utilizing smaller scraps of pie crust. Simply roll out the dough, cut it into circles or squares, and fill them with your favorite fruit, vegetable, or savory mixture. Fold the edges over, seal, and bake for a portable, handheld treat.
Galettes, on the other hand, are ideal for using larger leftover pie crust sheets. Roll out the dough into a rustic circle, leaving ample space around the edges. Fill the center with your chosen ingredients, then fold the edges up and over, creating a free-form tart. This easy-to-make dessert requires less than half a batch of pie dough, making it a great option for employing leftovers.
Both hand pies and galettes offer endless possibilities for customization. You can experiment with various fillings, shapes, and sizes to create unique and delicious treats that minimize waste and maximize flavor. By repurposing your leftover pie crust, you'll guarantee that every bit of your homemade dough is put to good use.
Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Transforming scraps of pie dough into delectable treats, cinnamon sugar twists are a sweet and simple solution for leftover crust. If you've followed a pie crust recipe and find yourself with excess dough, don't let it go to waste. Instead, repurpose that leftover pie crust dough into these irresistible treats.
To begin, roll out your leftover dough and sprinkle it generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Next, cut the dough into strips, about 1/2 inch wide and 4 inches long. Twist each strip gently and place them on a greased sheet pan, ensuring they're evenly spaced. Bake the twists in a preheated oven until they're golden brown and crispy, typically 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
These cinnamon sugar twists are perfect for snacking or serving alongside coffee or tea. They're also a great way to minimize food waste while creating a tasty treat. By repurposing your leftover pie crust, you're not only being resourceful but also expanding your baking repertoire with a simple yet satisfying recipe.
Jam-Filled Pop-Tarts
Another creative way to use leftover pie crust is by making homemade jam-filled pop-tarts. These miniature versions of the store-bought favorite are a delightful treat you can easily create with your leftover scraps. Start by rolling out your pie dough recipe on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8-inch, then cut the dough into small squares or rectangles.
Place a dollop of your favorite jam in the center of half the pieces, then cover with the remaining dough. Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing in the sweet filling. For a professional touch, arrange your pop-tarts on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet before popping them into a 400°F oven.
Once baked and cooled, you can elevate your homemade pop-tarts with a simple powdered sugar glaze. This process is similar to making a jelly roll, but with individual portions. It's a fun and tasty way to avoid food waste and enjoy a nostalgic treat without having to make a purchase at the store.
Chocolate-Stuffed Delights
For chocolate lovers, these Chocolate-Stuffed Delights offer a simple yet indulgent way to use up leftover pie crust. You'll start by rolling out your pie dough to a thickness of 1/8-inch and cutting it into 3-inch rounds. Place a few chocolate chips in the center of each round, then fold the edges up and pinch to seal, creating a little pouch.
To bake these treats, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your chocolate-stuffed dough pouches on the sheet and bake until golden brown. The result? A crisp pie crust exterior with a melty chocolate surprise inside.
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roll and cut dough | 5 mins |
| 2 | Fill and seal | 5 mins |
| 3 | Bake at 400°F | 12-15 mins |
For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the baked cookies with powdered sugar. This simple addition enhances both the appearance and flavor of your Chocolate-Stuffed Delights. The contrast between the crisp crust and gooey chocolate creates a delightful texture that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Savory Pizza Roll-Ups
If you're craving something savory, these pizza roll-ups offer a delicious twist on leftover pie crust. To make these tasty treats, you'll need to use up leftover pie dough or even store bought pie crust. Bring the dough to room temperature, then ball and roll it into a rectangular shape about 1/8-inch thick.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Tightly roll the dough into a log, securing it with toothpicks every 1 1/2 inches. Cut between the toothpicks to create individual roll-ups. Bake them on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F until golden brown.
These savory pizza roll-ups are a creative way to use pie crust cookies in a non-traditional manner. While Puff Pastry Dough can be substituted, pie crust provides a unique texture. This recipe demonstrates how versatile leftover pie crust can be, transforming from a sweet dessert base to a savory snack. By repurposing excess dough, you're not only reducing food waste but also creating a delightful appetizer or quick lunch option.
Storing Leftover Pie Dough
Proper storage of leftover pie dough is essential for maintaining its quality and reducing waste. When you find yourself with extra dough, you have two options for storage: refrigeration or freezing. For short-term storage, simply squish the leftover scraps together and place them in a zip-top bag. You can store this in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, allowing you to use it quickly for your next baking project.
If you don't plan to use the dough within two days, freezing is your best bet. Gather all the scraps, combine them, and transfer the dough to a freezer bag. This method preserves the dough for up to two months, giving you plenty of time to plan your next pie-making adventure. When you're ready to use the frozen dough, remember to defrost it in the refrigerator for 12 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do With Leftover Crust Pastry?
Don't let your leftover crust pastry go to waste! You've got several tasty options. Roll it out and cut it into shapes for pie crust cookies. Simply bake the scraps as-is for rustic treats. Add flavor with an egg wash and cinnamon-sugar sprinkle. Bake at 425°F for a few minutes until golden. You can also repurpose the dough for hand pies, galettes, or slab pies. These quick and easy solutions guarantee you'll use every bit of that precious pastry.
What Can Be Made From Pie Crusts?
You can create a variety of delicious treats from pie crusts. Try making simple pie crust cookies by cutting the dough into shapes and baking until golden. For a savory option, roll out the crust and create mini hand pies or galettes with your favorite fillings. Don't forget about slab pies, which are perfect for using up scraps. If you're feeling adventurous, transform the dough into flaky ragmuffins or stuff it with chocolate for indulgent cookies. You can even make homemade pop-tarts or pizza roll-ups.
How Long Does Pie Crust Last in the Fridge?
Like a delicate flower, your pie crust's freshness is fleeting. You'll want to use it within 2-3 days when stored in the fridge. Make sure you've wrapped it tightly in plastic wrap or placed it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If you're not planning to use it soon, you can extend its life by freezing it for up to 3 months. Remember, proper storage is key to maintaining its flakiness and texture for your future baking adventures.
Can You Freeze Raw Pie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze raw pie dough. It's an excellent way to save time and have homemade dough ready when you need it. To freeze, wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, raw pie dough can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw the dough in your refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and using it in your recipe.
