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The Best Thing To Do With Leftover Pie Crust

Mandy NaglichUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

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Shutterstock / vita pakhai

Never let your crust scraps end up in the trash again!

The best homemade pie crust is flaky, not too sweet, and golden brown on the edges. It looks beautiful, tastes buttery and will showcase that farmers market fruit with pride! There’s only one element of pie-making that isn’t wonderful—that leftover dough on your cutting board.

The extra dough from crust cut-outs and other scraps often end up in the trash. But if you’ve had a thrifty grandmother (here’s her best money-saving tips!), you know that no food should go to waste! Hoosier Mama Pie Company in Chicago has an ingenious way to use ’em up that reminds us of something Grandma would do: They make simple pie-crust cookies!

How to Make Pie Crust Cookies

You can make any type of pie crust dough into your own cookies. Here’s what to do:

Gather all of your pie crust scraps up into a ball.
Roll them out like you would a cut-out cookie. (You may need to chill the dough slightly before rolling.)
Brush each cookie with a little melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Bake at the same temperature as the pie recipe, until cookies are lightly golden at the edges.

You can store cut dough in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Bake a few cookies at a time to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Psst… More crust scraps = more cookies. Try baking all 50 of our best pie recipes.

Make it Your Own

You can put any kind of twist on this recipe. Roll them into pinwheels, finish with powdered sugar, dip in chocolate, roll in sprinkles, frost them—the possibilities are truly endless.

These cookies are so versatile they could become a sweet addition to your appetizer spread. Set out a tray of pie crust cookies with a bowl of your favorite homemade jam, ricotta and honey or a yogurt dip. (A dinner party that starts and ends with pie crust? Sounds like a dream!)

50 Incredible Vintage Pie Recipes

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Sugar Cream Pie

Sugar Cream Pie

I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana

Grandma S Chocolate Meringue Pie Exps Diyd21 2724 E03 04 1b

Grandma’s Chocolate Meringue PieMy grandmother served this old-fashioned chocolate pie recipe after Sunday dinner each week, usually with an apology it was "too runny" or something else was wrong with it. Of course, grandma's chocolate pie was never less than perfect! – Donna Vest Tilley, Chesterfield, Virginia

Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh Cherry PieIf you're looking to learn how to make a cherry pie, this recipe is the place to start. This ruby-red cherry pie is just sweet enough, with a hint of almond flavor and a good level of cinnamon. The cherries peeking out of the lattice crust makes it so pretty, too. I like to make a few of these cherry pies throughout the summer. —Josie Bochek, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Maple Syrup Pie Exps Ppp18 112917 B04 06 6b 2

Maple Syrup PieFolks in New Hampshire apparently appreciate maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire, we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont

Mom’s Peach Pie

Mom’s Peach PieA delightful summertime pie, this vintage dessert is overflowing with fresh peach flavor. Each sweet slice is packed with old-fashioned appeal. The streusel topping makes this pie a little different than the ordinary and adds homemade flair. —Sally Holbrook, Pasadena, California

Green Tomato Pie Exps Jmz18 3499 B03 06 5b 6

Green Tomato PieWhen frost nips our garden, I quickly gather all the green tomatoes still on the vine and make this old family favorite. It's been handed down from my grandmother, and now my granddaughters are asking for the recipe.—Violet Thompson, Port Ludlow, Washington

World S Best Lemon Pie Exps Diyd21 4439 E05 13 1b

World’s Best Lemon PieMother's pies were always so wonderful, with tender, flaky crusts. Through the year we enjoyed berry and apple pies, but in summer the order of the day was this lemon pie recipe—so light and refreshing! —Phyllis Kirsling, Junction City, Wisconsin

Possum Pie Exps Ft21 6462 F 0701 1

Possum PieWe found this Possum Pie recipe in a recipe box from the previous cafe owner. It's been on our menu ever since. —David Heilemann, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Strawberry crumble pie

Strawberry Crumble PieI host an annual pie-making party before Labor Day. We host a pig roast on our farm every year, but the pies take center stage at the end of the meal. —Beth Howard, Donnellson, Iowa

Grandma S Sour Cream Raisin Pie Exps Ppp18 6171 C04 25 6b 17

Grandma’s Sour Cream Raisin PieThe aroma of this pie baking in my farm kitchen oven reminds me of my dear grandma who made this pretty pie for special occasions. —Beverly Medalen, Willow City, North Dakota

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Cranberry Walnut PieHere’s a wonderful vintage dessert for Thanksgiving. With ruby-red color and a golden lattice crust, this pie looks as good as it tastes. —Diane Everett, Dunkirk, New York

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Coconut Cream Angel PieMom whipped up this wonderful pie on impulse, using an ancient whisk and an old skillet. I am still amazed that it turned out perfect every time. —Ginny Werkmeister, Tilden, Nebraska

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Orchard Pear PieI made this pie using Bartlett pears fresh from the orchard. It's a lovely dessert to include in your holiday menu. You can also use canned pears if fresh are not available. —Mary Anne Thygesen, Portland, Oregon

Grandma Pruit's Vinegar Pie

Grandma Pruit's Vinegar PieThis historic pie has been in our family for many generations and is always served at our get-togethers.—Suzette Pruit, Houston, Texas

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Apple PieI remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington

Check out how this soft pretzel pie crust transforms apple pie!

Shoofly Pie Exps Ft23 23516 Jr 1108 1

Shoofly PieMy grandmother made the best shoofly pie in the tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Shoofly pie is to the Pennsylvania Dutch as pecan pie is to a Southerner. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin

Bread Pudding Pie

Bread Pudding PieThis unique dessert is a bread pudding-pie combo. It was created by my paternal grandmother's family. They had a farm and made their own bread, which made this a low-cost dessert. — Kelly Barnes, Lexington, Indiana

Oregon S Best Marionberry Pie Exps Fttmzj21 62173 E03 04 9b 2

Oregon’s Best Marionberry PieI believe Oregon marionberries make about the best berry pie in the world. And when you add some cream cheese and flavorings, you'll be making the best even better! —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon

Mom-Mom Bessie’s Coconut Molasses Pie

Mom-Mom Bessie’s Coconut Molasses PieI'm the keeper of my husband's grandmother's handwritten recipe book. Mom-Mom Bessie was one of the best cooks I knew, and we think of her every time we make this vintage pie. The flavor combination of coconut and molasses is a family favorite. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Honey Cran-Raspberry Pie

Honey Cran-Raspberry Pie

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Creamy Chocolate-Banana PieYou can make almost any dessert more awesome with chocolate. In this cream pie, fresh banana and chocolate make a truly irresistible combo. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

Walnut Mincemeat Pie Exps Ft19 1708 F 1018 1 17

Walnut Mincemeat PieAs a cold and tasty finishing touch, my husband and I usually put a dip of ice cream on top of our mincemeat pie slices. The recipe comes from my mother. Each year, I make it for Christmas and for my sister-in-law's New Year's party. —Laverne Kamp, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Grapefruit Meringue Pie Exps Jmz18 10182 D03 01 10b 1

Grapefruit Meringue PieThere's a grapefruit tree in our backyard, so I like to use fresh grapefruit juice when I make this pie. I just love the unique citrus flavor of this dessert. —Barbara Soliday, Winter Haven, Florida

Cheese Huckleberry Pie

Cheese Huckleberry PieThis huckleberry pie has a cookielike press-in crust, a fluffy cream filling and a layer of luscious huckleberries on top. I think it really shows off the lovely dark glossy berries. —Dianne Doede, Trout Lake, Washington

Buttermilk Pie With Pecans Exps Ppp18 145869 B05 16 5b 17

Buttermilk Pie with PecansBranch out from the usual pecan pie with a creamy-crunchy version that comes out of the oven golden brown. Big pieces are even better with a generous dollop of whipped cream. —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri

Granny’s Rhubarb Pie

Granny’s Rhubarb PieThis recipe originated with my grandmother, who baked many different rhubarb desserts. This vintage pie was always a favorite of mine. —Blanche Baninski Minto North Dakota

Honey Pie Exps Ft21 259310 F 0323 1

Honey PieA hint of honey flavors this old-fashioned honey custard pie that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Don't be afraid of blind-baking the crust, it's easy to do. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Purple Plum Pie Exps Ft20 6503 F 1014 1

Purple Plum PieI can never resist a tempting slice of this beautiful plum pie. It's a down-home dessert that makes any meal special. This pie is a terrific way to put bountiful summer plums to use. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream PieThis old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

Chocolate Cream Pie Exps Ft23 13037 St 1110 8

Chocolate Cream PieOur teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust was his favorite thing to make. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

Special Raisin Pie

Special Raisin PieWhen I first made this pie, I thought it was great. Then I entered it at the county fair and I guess the judges thought it was great, too, since it won first place. —Laura Fall-Sutton, Buhl, Idaho

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Cape Cod Blueberry PieWe Northeasterners have been baking this pie since the 18th century. Settlers would’ve used little wild blueberries and topped it with cream. I do, too. —Nancy O'Connell, Biddeford, Maine

Mama’s Buttermilk Coconut Pie

Mama’s Buttermilk Coconut PieMy mama showed me how to make this vintage pie about 40 years ago, just as her mama showed her how to make it. I was 6 when Mawmaw passed away, but I can still remember her cooking in the kitchen in her beautiful cotton dresses dusted with flour. I am honored to teach my daughter how to make this dessert, too. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama

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Peanut Butter Cream PieIt's nice to have a fluffy, no-bake dessert that's a snap to make. Packed with peanut flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

Grasshopper Pie

Grasshopper PieI only need six ingredients to whip up this fluffy and refreshing grasshopper pie. I usually make two of the minty treats for our family, since we're never satisfied with just one slice. —LouCinda Zacharias, Spooner, Wisconsin

Honey Pecan Pie Exps Fbmz16 35222 C05 19 2b 10

Honey Pecan PieLooking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio

Cream Cheese-Pineapple Pie

Cream Cheese-Pineapple PieI've made this pie many times for friends, relatives, guests, church suppers and bazaars, and I'm always getting requests for the recipe. I've lived on farms all my life—we used to have a potato farm on Long Island, and now my son farms his own land and manages mine here in Delaware, growing soybeans and wheat. —Elizabeth Brown, Clayton, Delaware

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Coconut-Pecan German Chocolate PieThis German chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It's so silky and smooth, you won't be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas

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Gingersnap Crumb Pear PieThis basic recipe was one my grandmother used for making crumble pies from fresh fruit. She simply substituted oats, gingersnaps or vanilla wafers depending on the fruit. Pear was always my favorite, and I added the ginger and caramel to give it a new twist. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

Banana Cream Pie Exps Fbmz16 1151 B05 18 7b 5

Banana Cream PieMom's pie recipe is a real treasure, and I've never found one that tastes better! —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Silky Chocolate Pie

Silky Chocolate PieChocolate makes the world go round! We have a family that loves chocolate pies, and this version with a splash of brandy is smooth as silk and oh, so special. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter PieMy mother made a chewy, gooey peanut butter pie I loved as a child. Now I continue the tradition for the next generation of peanut butter lovers. —Brianna DeBlake, Fremont, Michigan

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Spiced Upside-Down Apple PieMy grandma taught me to make this pie when I was 4. Over the years, I've kept it about the same with just a few changes. Flip it out the second it stops bubbling. The glaze makes it look especially delicious. —Francine Bryson, Pickens, South Carolina

Originally Published: August 08, 2018

Mandy is a food and beverage writer with bylines at WNYC, Munchies, Mic and October. She's a Certified Cicerone and award-winning homebrewer living, writing and cooking in New York City.