How do you make pie crust douh?

Mastering the Art of Pie Crust Dough:

Here's a basic recipe for pie crust dough, along with tips for success:

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

* 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl.

2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

* Tip: Use your fingertips for the last part to incorporate the crumbs more evenly.

3. Add the Water: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Don't overmix.

* Tip: Don't add all the water at once. You might not need it all.

4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just until it forms a smooth ball.

* Tip: Overkneading will make the crust tough. Aim for a minimal amount of kneading.

5. Chill: Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.

Tips for Success:

* Keep it Cold: The key to a flaky pie crust is using cold ingredients and keeping the dough cold throughout the process.

* Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which will result in a tough crust.

* Use the Right Flour: All-purpose flour is best for pie crusts.

* Handle Gently: Work with the dough as little as possible.

* Blind Bake (for fruit pies): To prevent a soggy bottom crust, blind bake your pie crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.

* Freezing: You can freeze pie crust dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Variations:

* Sweet Crust: Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the flour mixture.

* Savory Crust: Use 1/4 teaspoon of herbs instead of the salt.

* Butter Substitutes: You can use shortening, lard, or a combination of butter and shortening.

Enjoy making your own delicious pie crusts!