Foolproof Flaky Pie Dough

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This simple recipe for foolproof flaky pie dough will result in a perfect pie every single time. It comes together easily without a food processor or any fancy equipment and can be made up to 3 months in advance! Making a great pie crust from scratch is nothing to be afraid of and this recipe will prove it.

overhead shot of a hand cutting vents in an unbaked pie

Why this recipe works

Butter gives flavor, structure and flakiness to the dough.
Shortening gives tenderness and makes the dough easier to work with.
Keeping everything cold ensures pieces of fat stay intact, which will create steam pockets as they melt and result in an ultra flaky crust.
Easy roll-and-rotate technique ensures the dough doesn't stick to the surface and rolls out into an even circle.
Easy to make ahead and freeze for a later date.

labeled overhead shot of ingredients for flaky pie dough on dark background

Essential Ingredients

Butter - Unsalted. Must be COLD.
Shortening - You can go organic if you want but I think good ol' Crisco makes a better pie. So does my grandma.
Egg - This is only used for brushing the top of a double-crust pie before baking to help give it a nice shiny crust. It's not necessary for a single crust pie.

labeled overhead shot of tools needed for flaky pie dough on dark background

Helpful Tools

A pastry cutter is the tool of choice for cutting the fat into the flour. if you don't have one, use two butter knives or forks.
A bench scraper is an essential tool for scraping the dough off the counter. I use this all the time when baking.
a rubber spatula is great for scraping out the bowl and getting every last bit from the bottom.
You can use any cylindrical object as a rolling pin (like a wine bottle!), but a decent one will be a lot easier to work with. I love my French rolling pin because it's lightweight and tapered on the edges to help the dough roll out more evenly.

Step by Step Instructions

hand pouring sugar into a bowl with salt and flour

two hands adding butter and shortening to a bowl of dry ingredients

1. Combine the flour, salt and sugar (omit for a savory pie) in a medium bowl.

2. Add the cold butter and shortening.

hand using a pastry cutter to cut butter and shortening into a bowl of flour

close up of bowl with flour and pea size pieces of fat

3. Use a pastry cutter or two butter knives to cut the fat into the flour and break it down into pieces about the size of large peas.

4. Give the bowl a little shake every so often to check the size of the peas. Some will be bigger and some will be smaller - this is ok.

pouring ice water into bowl with flour and pieces of fat

mixing pie dough in a bowl with rubber spatula

5. Add 6 tablespoons of ice water (avoiding any chunks of ice).

6. Mix with a rubber spatula, scraping the sides of the bowl, until all of the liquid has been absorbed and it forms a shaggy mass.

7. Use your hands to press and gently knead the dough until it just forms a ball, adding more water one teaspoon at a time if needed. Be very careful not to work the dough too much at this step - less is more. The dough should not feel sticky, and you should be able to see bits of butter and shortening flecked throughout.

8. Use a spatula or knife to cut the dough into two even pieces.

disc of pie dough, rolling pin and bench scraper dusted with flour on dark background

9. Gently form each into a disc and wrap in plastic. Store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to rest, or up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep wrapped tightly in the freezer.

10. When you're ready to assemble your pie, remove one disc of dough at a time from the refrigerator, unwrap it and place it in the center of a generously dusted surface. Dust your rolling pin and bench scraper (if using).

hands rolling a rolling pin over a disc of pie dough

11. Begin rolling out the dough by starting at the bottom and pushing the rolling pin away from your body, Complete 2-3 rolls, then rotate the dough 90 degrees.

12. Repeat this same movement over and over until the dough reaches about 12 inches around or roughly 3 inches larger than a pie plate. Use a tape measure or pie plate to help measure. Add more flour as needed and continuously rotate the dough to avoid sticking.

rolling pie crust on to rolling pin with bench scraper

13. Use a bench scraper to help roll the dough onto the rolling pin.

14. Carefully unroll the dough into the pie plate and adjust it to fit. Tuck in any loose pieces.

15. If making a single crust pie, tuck the edges under then your fingers to create a crimped edge (see step 18) and proceed with your recipe.

hands moistening the edges of the pie crust with water

16. If making a double crust pie, add your filling, then lightly moisten the outer edge by dabbing it with a little water.

rolling the top pie crust over the filling

17. Roll out the remaining crust exactly the same way as the first and transfer to the top of the pie using the rolling pin.

18. Use your fingers to press the top and bottom crusts together around the edges, then trim off any excess with kitchen shears (or leave it all if you love a lot of crust).

19. To create a crimped edge, tuck your thumb under the dough, then use your index and middle fingers on top to press the edge into a ruffle.

20. For best results, cut a few vents in your pie to release steam as it cooks, then brush all over with egg wash for a shiny, browned crust. Proceed with baking directions or freeze for a later date.

Tips for Success

If you want to double or triple this recipe, make each batch separately for best results.
Keep all ingredients cold at all times. If the dough starts getting warm at any moment, pop the bowl in the freezer or refrigerator (or outside) for a few minutes before continuing.
I like to run my hands under cold water and/or hold on to some ice cubes prior to using my hands to mix or shape the dough. This helps keep it cold at all times.
The amount of water needed to form the pie dough will always vary based on humidity. Always start with less and add more a little bit at a time until it forms a dough. You can always add more but you can't take it out.

Faq

My dough is sticky, I think I added too much water. What should I do?

When rolling out your dough, use even more flour than your would normally. Continue adding it as you roll, using a bench scraper to lift up the dough and dusting with more flour underneath. The dough will absorb more flour as you roll.

My dough is too dry and crumbly, I don't think I added enough water. What should I do?

Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the dough all over with water, then wrap in plastic and let sit for an hour. It will absorb the water and hydrate as it sits - repeat if needed.

Can this crust be made gluten free?

Yes, with a cup-to-cup all purpose gluten free flour. My preferred brand is Cup4Cup.

Did you make this recipe and LOVE it? Please leave a star ⭐️ rating and/or comment to help other readers. I absolutely love hearing from you and do my best to answer all questions and comments. I love seeing when you make my recipes, so please tag me @ColeyCooks on Instagram and I will repost!