Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust Recipe

Ingredients:

For the perfect flaky pie crust, you will need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces), and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ice water.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

2. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Slowly add the ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, while mixing the dough with a wooden spoon or your hands. Stop adding water when the dough begins to come together and can be formed into a ball.

4. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

Rolling and Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature for your pie recipe.

2. Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle that is about 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.

4. Carefully transfer the rolled out dough to a pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

Tips for a Flaky Crust:

1. Keep all your ingredients cold, including the butter and water. This will help create layers in the crust as it bakes.

2. Do not overwork the dough. Mix it until it just comes together to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the crust tough.

3. Blind bake the crust if your pie recipe requires it. This will help prevent a soggy bottom crust.

4. Brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, shiny finish.