Work quickly and keep your ingredients cool. Those are the 2 keys to success with butter pastry. Pie-making is a skill that, like any other, becomes second nature with practice. And think of all the delicious practice pies! Because the truth is, messy pies taste every bit as good as perfect pies.
1/2 cup ice cold milk or water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour + more for sprinkling
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup cold, unsalted European-style butter (Kerrygold brand)
A large, shallow bowl
Pastry blender
Dough card or bench scraper
Parchment paper
Spray bottle filled with clean water, optional but helpful
9-inch (23 cm) Glass or Pyrex pie pan ~ Glass conducts heat better than metal and allows you to see the bottom of the pie as it bakes, making it easier to determine when your pie is done.
The next day (or 2 hours later):
Note: If you are making a single crust pie, leave a generous edge on the pie crust. Fold it under itself around the edge and crimp as you like. Single crust pies are generally baked before the filling is added.
Butter Pie Crust freezes well for 3-4 months. Double wrap each disc individually in plastic wrap and then place in a Ziploc freezer bag. (Do not use a cheap bag.) Label the bag with name and date. Place the bag on a baking sheet to ensure the dough will freeze flat and place in freezer. Once solid, you can remove the baking sheet. To use, thaw the pastry dough a full 24 hours in the fridge; do not thaw at room temperature.
Keywords: butter pie crust, butter pastry, double crust pie