Simple Pie Dough Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Flaky Crusts

Guide or Summary：Pie Dough Ingredients:Step 1: Mix Dry IngredientsStep 2: Cut in ButterStep 3: Add Ice WaterStep 4: Knead the DoughStep 5: Chill the DoughSt……

Guide or Summary：

1. Pie Dough Ingredients:
2. Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
3. Step 2: Cut in Butter
4. Step 3: Add Ice Water
5. Step 4: Knead the Dough
6. Step 5: Chill the Dough
7. Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
8. Step 7: Shape the Dough
9. Step 8: Seal the Crust
10. Step 9: Bake the Pie
11. Step 10: Cool and Serve

Are you looking to master the art of baking a mouthwatering pie with a flaky, buttery crust? Look no further than this simple yet effective pie dough recipe that will have you impressing your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you end up with a perfectly baked pie that everyone will love.

Pie Dough Ingredients:

To start, gather your ingredients for the perfect pie crust. You will need:

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

- 1/2 cup ice water

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until well combined. This mixture will form the foundation of your pie crust.

Step 2: Cut in Butter

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the chilled butter cubes into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal here is to incorporate the butter into the flour without overworking it, as this can lead to a tough crust.

Step 3: Add Ice Water

Gradually add the ice water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the crust to become tough. The dough should hold together, but still be slightly crumbly.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for just a few seconds. This will help to bring the dough together and eliminate any remaining crumbs. Be gentle, as overworking the dough can cause it to become tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and preventing a tough crust.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, being careful not to stretch it too thin, as this can lead to a tough crust.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Transfer the rolled-out dough to your pie dish, pressing it gently into place. Trim any excess dough from the edges, leaving a small overhang for sealing the crust.

Step 8: Seal the Crust

If using a filling that requires a lattice top, cut slits into the bottom crust to allow steam to escape. Fold the overhang under and crimp the edges to seal the crust.

Step 9: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Be sure to check the pie periodically to prevent over-browning.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and the crust to firm up, resulting in a perfect pie that is ready to impress.

In conclusion, this simple pie dough recipe is the perfect way to start your pie baking journey. With its easy-to-follow steps and delicious results, you'll be able to create mouthwatering pies that are sure to impress your loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a must-have for anyone looking to take their baking skills to the next level. Happy baking!