Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (extremely cold, cubed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar (optional for sweet pies)
- 6 to 8 tablespoons Ice water
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Ensure they are well combined so the seasoning is even throughout the dough.
- Step 2: Incorporate the Cold Butter. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter into the flour. Stop when the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks of butter still visible. These chunks create the flakes.
- Step 3: Add Ice Water. Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture one tablespoon at a time. Use a spatula to gently toss the flour. Continue adding water until the dough just begins to clump together. It should not be sticky or wet.
- Step 4: Divide and Shape. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into two even disks. Do not overwork the dough, as the heat from your hands can melt the butter.
- Step 5: Chill the Dough. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up again, which prevents the crust from shrinking in the oven.
- Cook Time: 80 minutes (Includes 1 hour chilling time)
- Diet: Vegetarian