3-ingredient pie dough
This pie dough is simple make and only needs 3 ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Servings: 2 shells
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 14 tablespoons chilled salted butter
- ½ cup ice water
Instructions
Food processor method
- Add the flour to the food processor.
- Cut the butter into ½-inch chunks. Add it to the food processor as well.
- Pulse several times until the butter is broken up into pea-sized pieces.
- Pour in the water and pulse the dough again. If you need to add in another tablespoon or 2 of water. Pulse again. Don't overmix it though. You can tell it is done when you pinch it and it holds together.
- Divide the dough in half and flatten into disks. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.
- It will hold in the fridge for 1 week. Or you can freeze it and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you are freezing it, be sure to place it in a Ziplock bag as double protection from freezer burn.
Pastry cutter method
- This method is very similar to the food processor method except you use a pastry cutter instead.
- Add the flour to your bowl.
- Cut the butter into ½-inch chunks and add it to the flour. With the pastry cutter, cut the butter into pea-sized chunks.
- Add in the ice water and cut it in until it is all combined. Pinch the dough to see if it sticks together. If it does, it is ready. If not, add another tablespoon or 2 of water.
- Divide the dough in half and flatten it into disks. Wrap in saran wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before using.
Notes
Use the coldest butter possible to start- Cut the butter into chunks and place it into the freezer while you measure and prepare the ingredients. Once you're mixing, work quickly to ensure it stays cold, and refrigerate the prepared dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out.
Don't overmix- It's so easy to overmix, especially when using a food processor. Pulse the dough and keep an eye on it. Once it sticks between your fingers, it's good to go!
Don't rush the process- Making any kind of dough takes patience and the effort is evident in the taste. If you're new to baking, be sure to check out my guides on How to Cut a Pie to get the most beautiful slices and learn if you need to grease a pie pan before putting the crust in.
Choose your pie dish wisely- When choosing a pie dish consider how you'd like your presentation to look and also the functionality. Glass pie dishes are excellent because they heat evenly and you can peek through at the fully baked pie crust and ensure its doneness. Ceramic dishes can be very pretty but are opaque. Metal pie pans tend to run hotter but are the most budget-friendly.