Pie crust roll ups are a fun and tasty way to use leftover pie crust after baking a pie. Many times, when you roll out dough for a pie, you trim the edges and end up with extra pieces. Instead of throwing those scraps away, you can turn them into something delicious. All you need to do is spread a little butter over the dough, sprinkle it with sugar and cinnamon, roll it up, and bake it. The result is a flaky pastry that looks like a tiny cinnamon roll but has the light, crisp texture of pie crust.
In this recipe, I am going to give you step by step instructions on how to make these delicious pie crust roll ups.
Key Takeaways
- Easy to Make: Pie crust roll ups are simple to prepare. There is no yeast involved and no waiting for the dough to rise. You just need to roll the crust, slice it, and bake until it becomes golden.
- Uses Ingredients You Already Have: The filling only needs butter, sugar, and cinnamon, which are usually already in your kitchen.
- Quick Baking Time: These pie dough cinnamon rolls bake in a 350°F oven for about fifteen to twenty minutes, so you can have a warm snack on the table in less than half an hour.
- Flexible with Flavors: The classic version is filled with cinnamon and sugar, but you can add icing, try different spices, or even make a savory version with cheese or herbs.
- Simple to Store: Leftover pie dough cinnamon rolls keep well in an air-tight container for a few days, and you can also freeze them to reheat later when you want something quick.
What Are Pie Crust Roll Ups?
A Simple Treat Made from Leftover Pie Dough
Pie crust roll ups are small pastries made by rolling pie dough with a sweet filling. You can make them with the scraps of pie crust that are left after trimming a pie, or you can use a sheet of refrigerated pie dough. To prepare them, press the scraps together or unroll the store-bought crust into a rectangle.
Spread butter over the surface, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top, roll it into a log, and slice it into small rounds. Each piece looks like a little pinwheel with layers of flaky pastry and sweet cinnamon sugar. They taste a lot like cinnamon buns, but the texture is crisp and light because they are made with pie crust instead of bread dough.
Why They’re Perfect for Quick Snacks and Desserts
Pie crust roll ups are perfect for quick snacks because you can prepare them in a short amount of time. All you need to do is roll out the crust, spread the filling, slice it into pieces, and place them in the oven. In less than half an hour, you can have warm pastries ready to eat.
They are also perfect for desserts because each piece is small and easy to enjoy. You can also make each batch different by changing the filling.
Pie Crust Roll Ups Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes150
kcalTurn leftover pie crust into sweet roll ups baked with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. A warm, homemade treat in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Pie Crust Roll Ups
For the Dough
1 pie crust dough (leftover scraps pressed together or 1 ready-made 9-inch crust)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For the Filling and Topping
2 tablespoons butter, softened or melted
3 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)
1 tablespoon fruit jam or jelly (optional)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
How to Make Pie Crust Roll Ups Step by Step
- Roll Out the Pie Crust: Lightly flour your counter and rolling pin. If you are using scraps, press them together into one piece of dough. If you are using a store-bought crust, unroll it onto the floured surface. Roll the dough into a thin rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Try to keep the shape even so the rolls bake evenly.
- Spread Butter and Sprinkle Sugar Mix: Brush the surface of the dough with softened butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, using about three parts sugar to one part cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough, almost to the edges. Press gently with your hand so the sugar sticks to the butter.
- Roll Up the Dough and Slice: Start at the long side of the rectangle and roll the dough into a log. Press the seam to close it. Trim the uneven ends if you like. Slice the log into rounds about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Place each slice flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. If you want extra shine, brush the tops with a beaten egg before baking.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch for the rolls to puff and turn golden at the edges. The sugar will bubble slightly when they are done. If your rolls are thicker, you may need to bake for a few extra minutes.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the rolls rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This short cooling time helps the sugar set so the rolls hold their shape. Move them to a plate or cooling rack. If you like, drizzle a little icing made with powdered sugar and milk. Serve warm and enjoy the flaky pastry with its sweet cinnamon swirl.

Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories150
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.8g 9%
- Saturated Fat 2.6g 13%
- Trans Fat 0.05g
- Cholesterol 9mg 3%
- Sodium 85mg 4%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.4g 5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.4g 2%
- Total Sugars 4.5g
- Protein 1.5g 3%
- Potassium 28mg 1%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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Expert Chef Tips
Best Way to Get Flaky Layers
For the flakiest layers, keep the dough cold and handle it as little as possible. If you make pie crust from scratch, use cold butter and ice water. Chill the dough for at least thirty minutes before rolling so the butter firms up and the gluten relaxes. When you roll it out, fold or turn the dough once or twice to create more layers. This rolled out pie crust will not rise like yeast rolls, but these steps help them bake light and crisp.
Adjusting Sweetness and Spices to Taste
You can change the filling to match the flavor you like. Brown sugar gives a deeper, richer taste, while white sugar keeps it lighter. Use more cinnamon if you want a stronger spice flavor, or add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for variety. A tiny pinch of salt in the butter balances the sweetness. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts over the buttered dough for crunch or spread a thin layer of jam before adding the sugar and cinnamon.
Using Leftover Dough Without Waste
You can make rolled out pie crust with leftover dough. Press small scraps of dough together with a little water, then roll them into one sheet. If you only have a little dough, roll it out thinly to make the most of it. Extra scraps can be frozen in a zip-top bag for another day. Shape the dough into an oblong before rolling so it is easier to slice, even if it is not perfect. If you have extra cinnamon sugar left after slicing, sprinkle it on oatmeal or cereal so nothing goes to waste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Warm with Coffee or Tea
Pie crust roll ups taste best when they are fresh from the oven. Put a few on a plate and enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea. The flaky crust and cinnamon filling go perfectly with a hot drink. For breakfast or brunch, you can serve them with fresh berries, butter, or jam.
Add a Drizzle of Icing or Caramel Sauce
If you want extra sweetness, drizzle the rolls with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also use warm caramel sauce for a richer flavor. A light glaze makes them shiny, and chopped nuts or coarse sugar add a little crunch. For dessert, serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Make-Ahead Tips
Can You Prepare Roll Ups in Advance?
Yes, you can. If you want to save time, get the rolls ready before you need them. Spread the butter and sugar on the dough, roll it up, and cut it into slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, put them straight into the oven. Since the dough is cold, add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
How to Freeze Dough or Baked Roll Ups
You can freeze the rolls either before or after baking. To freeze raw dough, slice the rolled log and place the pieces on a baking sheet. Freeze them until firm, then move them to a freezer bag. Put parchment paper between layers so they do not stick together. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
If you want to freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely first. Store them in an airtight bag or container for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until they are heated through.
Nutritional Notes
A Small-Batch Dessert or Snack
Pie crust roll ups usually make about 8 to 12 small pastries, depending on how you slice the dough. This means you get a few sweet bites without having to bake a whole pie. Each roll is flaky and buttery, but because the pieces are small, you can enjoy one or two without feeling weighed down.
Lighter Than Full Pies but Still Indulgent
A single roll up has about 120 to 150 calories. The exact number depends on how thick you slice the dough and whether you add extras like nuts, jam, or icing. This is less than a slice of pie or a large cinnamon roll, but the flavor is still rich with cinnamon and sugar. You get the taste of a homemade pastry in a smaller portion, which makes it easier to enjoy in moderation.
FAQs
Can I make pie crust roll ups with store-bought dough?
Yes, you can. A refrigerated pie crust works just as well as homemade dough. Unroll it, add the filling, slice, and bake.
What fillings work besides cinnamon sugar?
You can use many different fillings. Try brown sugar with nutmeg, a thin layer of jam, or even chocolate chips. Chopped nuts also add crunch.
How do I keep the roll ups from unrolling while baking?
Roll the dough tightly and press the edge to seal it before slicing. Placing the slices seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps keep them closed.
Can I make savory versions of pie crust roll ups?
Yes. Instead of sugar and cinnamon, try grated cheese, garlic butter, or herbs. They bake up just like the sweet ones but taste more like a snack or appetizer.
How long do these rolls ups stay fresh?
They stay fresh for two to three days at room temperature if you keep them in an airtight container.
Do I need to refrigerate leftover roll ups?
If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, you can leave them covered on the counter. For longer storage, refrigerate them so they last up to a week.
Can I reheat them without losing crispiness?
Yes. Place them in a warm oven at 300°F for about five minutes. This brings back the flaky texture better than using a microwave.
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I’m a sweet chef who loves creating irresistible cakes, pastries, and sweet treats. When I’m not baking, you’ll find me experimenting with new flavors, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and sharing my passion for desserts with the world.





