– 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.
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.
Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the cold shortening, then use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour until it becomes the size of large peas. Add water until the dough comes together.
Place one disc on a large work surface dusted with flour. Begin to roll out the dough by starting at the bottom. Roll the dough out to about 12 inches around. Wrap the dough around the rolling pin.