The “baking therapy” discussed on this blog refers to my personal experience using baking as a self-help and relaxation tool.”
Original Author: Betty Crocker
Hey everybirdy!
Today we are working on a very simple recipe using your favorite pie crust base. I’m using the classic Betty Crocker recipe for mine. These cookies are a fantastic way to use up leftover dough or to satisfy a sweet craving when you want something light, flaky, and fast.
📋 The Therapeutic Benefit:
Grounding Through Texture
Using pie dough to make cookies is incredibly grounding. Unlike heavy bread doughs, pastry dough requires a light, delicate touch. The rhythmic process of rolling the dough and pressing out star shapes forces you to focus on the present moment, helping to quiet the mind. These little stars offer a satisfying crunch that makes the effort feel truly rewarding.
💡 Tips for Flaky Stars* The Freezer Shortcut:
Usually, you’d refrigerate dough for 45 minutes. If you’re in a rush, wrap it in plastic and pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Chilling the fat quickly is the secret to those distinct, flaky layers!
High-Heat Baking:
Baking these at 450°F is the trick. The intense heat causes the water in the butter to evaporate instantly, “puffing” the pastry layers before they have a chance to melt.
🛒 Essentials (Ingredients)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2/3 cup Shortening (or Butter for a flakier texture)
- 1 tsp Salt* Ice cold water (added by the teaspoon)
- Melted butter (for brushing)
- Cinnamon and sugar (for topping)
Visit my Patreon for a free post featuring the full Walmart price breakdown for this budget-friendly bake!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep:
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. Mix:
Combine flour and salt. Cut in your shortening or butter until it looks like small peas.
3. Moisten:
Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together.
4. Quick Chill:
Wrap and freeze the dough for 10–15 minutes.
5. Shape:
Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
6. Cut:
Use a star-shaped cutter and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake:
Bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.
Final Thoughts
These cookies are a great reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be healing. Taking something as simple as pie crust and turning it into a tray of stars makes the kitchen feel a little more magical. I hope you enjoy the process and the crunch!
💬 Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear how you use up your leftover pie dough!
- Leave a comment: Do you prefer cinnamon sugar, or do you have a savory version you love?
- Show off your stars: If you bake these, tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creations!
Happy baking!
Similar recipes:
Pie Crust
Ingredients
- 2 (250 g) cups flour
- ⅔ (151 g) cup butter or shortening I have used both, and I like them both. But butter pie crust is going to be flakier
- 1 tsp salt
- Ice cold water
Directions
- Add your flour and your salt to a large bowl.
- Cut in your butter or shortening with a pastry knife or two forks.
- Add in your ice-cold water 1 teaspoon at a time until no flour sticks to the side of the bowl, and everything is coming together.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer until you are able to use it.
- This only takes about 10- 15 minutes.
